King Charles has made a “very clever” diplomatic move by reaffirming his commitment to Canada amid escalating tensions with the United States, according to political commentator Scarlett McGwire.
The monarch welcomed senior Canadian parliamentary officials to Buckingham Palace yesterday, presenting them with a ceremonial sword commissioned to mark his accession to the throne.
The meeting comes at a particularly fragile time in US-Canada relations, with Donald Trump threatening tariffs and suggesting Canada could become America’s “51st state”.
Speaking on GB News, political commentator Scarlett McGwire said: “We have to look up to the Canadians; they are being bullied and threatened by Donald Trump.
Scarlett McGwire said that is was a “clever” move on behalf of the monarch
GB NEWS
“What he forgets by saying, ‘Why don’t you just become the 51st state and I’ll remove all the tariffs?’ is that Canadians are incredibly patriotic.
“I mean, their national anthem is ‘O Canada.’ I know a lot of Canadians, and boy, do they think Canada is the best country in the world.
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“This is what one should think if that’s where you come from.
“I think King Charles is being very clever by reminding everybody, including Donald Trump, that he is also the King of Canada.”
She added: “Possibly, he doesn’t want one of his Commonwealth countries to become the 51st state, but he saw two senior Canadians yesterday.”
Donald Trump has threatened historic financial devastation for Canada, including plans to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium.
The US president has repeatedly suggested making Canada the “51st state” of America.
Incoming Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged to maintain retaliatory tariffs until the US commits to free trade.
Trump initially threatened to double planned tariffs from 25 per cent to 50 per cent for Canada, but later halted the plan.
King Charles welcomed two Canadian officials yesterday
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As a constitutional monarch, Charles cannot directly comment on current tensions between Canada and the US, but sources indicate he can show support through “deed if not word”.
The King’s subtle diplomatic gestures, including his February message marking Canada’s flag day, demonstrate his commitment to the Commonwealth nation.
In that message, Charles noted the maple leaf “never fails to elicit a sense of pride and admiration” and recalled “with the deepest affection” his many Canadian visits.
