As U.S. President Donald Trump ramps up his campaign to make Canada America’s 51st state, Buckingham Palace is keeping its lips sealed. Trump has repeatedly suggested annexation—offering tariff exemptions as an incentive and hinting at economic pressure if Canada resists—while Canadian leaders staunchly rebuff the notion. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called it a “non-starter,” but Trump keeps at it, dubbing him “governor” and pitching grand visions for a united North America.
When CTV News pressed Buckingham Palace for King Charles III’s take, the response was a terse dodge: “I hope this email finds you well. This is not something we would comment on,” wrote a royal official. Bound by the Statute of Westminster, the King can only act on Trudeau’s counsel, limiting his role in the spat. Yet, some Canadians want more. On X, ex-Alberta Premier Jason Kenney suggested Trudeau leverage Trump’s apparent fondness for the Crown to have Charles assert Canada’s autonomy. Liberal MP Anthony Housefather agreed, urging a clear royal stand.
In London, Canadian High Commissioner Ralph Goodale downplayed the fuss, advising the Palace to ignore Trump’s “ludicrous” rants. Across the Atlantic, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, fresh from a Washington visit, sidestepped the issue twice—first brushing it off at the White House, then on Fox News, leaving the King’s thoughts a mystery. Still, Starmer handed Trump a state dinner invite from Charles, signaling diplomatic courtesy amid the storm.
Courtsey CTV News