In his first official trip to the country as monarch, King Charles will travel to Ottawa alongside Queen Camilla on Monday (May 26) to attend the State Opening of Parliament.

The visit comes in the wake of comments by the US President. Trump recently called for Canada to become the 51st state of the US.

In response, newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney firmly rebuffed the idea. He told Trump that “Canada is not for sale”.

King Charles will send ‘message’ to Donald Trump with Canada trip

Ralph Goodale, Canada’s High Commissioner to the UK, emphasised the importance of the king’s presence at this pivotal time.

“The prime minister has made it clear that Canada is not for sale. Not now, not ever. I think he probably added five ‘nevers’ after that to make the point,” Mr Goodale said.

“The king, as head of state, will reinforce the power and the strength of that message. And it is, as I said before, captured in our anthem. We are the true north, strong and free, and we will stay that way.”

The king and queen were welcomed at Canada House in Trafalgar Square this week ahead of their journey, where they viewed a giant map of Canada’s cultural and historical sites.

Walking across the map, Charles chuckled. “It’s brilliant, it really is,” he reportedly said. “I wish I could bring it every time I go to Canada to remind myself where I’m going and where I’ve been.”

To mark the 100th anniversary of Canada House, Charles was also presented with a ceremonial key. The key was crafted by Indigenous Ts’msyen artist Morgan Asoyuf.

During the ceremony, Mr Goodale addressed the king.

“Your presence here today launches your journey to Canada next week,” he said. “This will be your 20th visit, but your first as reigning monarch. Your dear mother, Queen Elizabeth II, often said to the delight of Canadians that a journey to Canada felt like coming home. We hope that you feel exactly the same way.”

King Charles and Queen Camilla visit Canada

Next week, King Charles will become the first reigning monarch to open Canada’s Parliament since Queen Elizabeth II in 1957.

The king is also expected to deliver the Speech from the Throne to the Senate Chamber. Many are viewing this as a reminder of Canada’s sovereignty.

Chief Perry Bellegarde, a First Nations advocate and Honorary President of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, also emphasised the significance of the king’s role.

“To have the head of state, the monarch, come is huge,” he said. “And to read the speech from the throne sends a very strong message that Canada is an independent, sovereign country.”

The royal couple’s itinerary also includes community engagements in Ottawa and celebrations of Canadian heritage and identity.