Trudeau to meet King Charles amid concerns over Trump’s merger threats

Toronto: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will meet King Charles III on Monday to discuss US President Donald Trump’s remarks about merging Canada with the United States and making it the 51st state.

King Charles has faced criticism in Canada for remaining silent on the matter. Speaking in London on Sunday, Trudeau said he would discuss issues important to Canadians, adding that “nothing seems more important to Canadians at this time than to stand up for their sovereignty and their freedom as a nation.”

As Canada’s head of state, King Charles holds a symbolic role, with the country being part of the British Commonwealth alongside nations such as India and Pakistan. While the anti-monarchy movement in Canada remains limited, Charles’s silence on Trump’s statements has sparked renewed debate.

Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney called the King’s lack of response “disappointing,” stating that he can only act on the advice of Canada’s prime minister. “The Government of Canada should ask the Head of State to highlight Canadian sovereignty,” Kenney posted on X.

Meanwhile, constitutional lawyer Lyle Skinner noted on X that Trudeau’s meeting with King Charles could lead to a statement regarding Canada’s sovereignty.

The meeting comes as King Charles, who met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday, has also extended an invitation to Trump for an official visit to Scotland.