London:
It began as a joke. In December 2024, Donald Trump told Justin Trudeau that Canada should become 51st stateThree months later, “joke” feels that one has become US foreign policy goal For second trump administration.
The Canadian Parliament has been unanimous in its response: “Canada is not for sale“But the state head of Canada, King Charles, recently – remained quiet on the matter to a great extent.
In the last several weeks, observers have started picking up Subtle signal of support From the king to Canadian people. But many people have no doubt why there is no direct statement of support of King Charles.
The answer to that question is not as simple as many people can think.
King of Canada
Since 1689, Britain has been a constitutional monarchy. The sovereign state is head, but the Prime Minister leads the government. For example, the king cannot interfere in politics. He is going to remain neutral and is the incarnation of the nation.
This significant separation between the palace and Parliament was frozen in Canada and in the Commonwealth in 1931 Westminster lawIn 1954, Royal Styles and Titles Act The British crown was separated from other Commonwealth places. Rani Elizabeth became the first sovereign to be called the queen of Canada.
As a constitutional emperor, King is bound by Charles Parliamentary limitations On his right. He Can not work Without consulting the Prime Ministers in their various places.
This means that King Charles cannot make a political statement about the ongoing tension between Canada and the US without a green light from Ottawa. When asked about the situation in January, a palace official said that it is “it”There is nothing we will comment on,
Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenny Later explained on social media,
“Canadians disappointed that King Charles did not comment on the dangers for President Trump’s Annex Canada: in his ability as the king of Canada, he can only act on the advice of his Canadian first minister, ie Justin Trudeau.”
Or, at this time, Mark Carney.
Signs of support
Raja met Trudeau in Sandringham on March 3 in Norfolk, England. The meeting has inspired a series of symbolic gestures showing the solidarity of the monarchy with Canadian people.
The next day, the king inspected the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales in his ability as the head of the armed forces. Canadian medal and honor During the inspection decorated his naval dress uniform.
A week later, the king Plant a red maple tree To honor Queen Elizabeth’s conservation of forests at Buckingham Palace and commitment for bonding between Commonwealth countries.
On 12 MarchThe king met with representatives of the Canadian Senate.
He presented a formal sword to Gregory Peters, Black rod’s ashars (One of the main protocol officers of the Senate). Senate speaker Raymonde Gagane was also present for that meeting.
It was glad to see that Buckingham Palace has just shared the Senate Speaker @Sengagnecanada.Ca and our gentleman form the black rod, our gentleman form of Greg Peters, King Charles IIII. The king presented a black rod with a new formal sword. #Senateofcanada #Canada #Kingcharlesiiiii
– Senator Paula Simmons 🇨🇦 (@Senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social, March 13, 2025 at 12:41 pm
And on March 17, King Found with carney As part of the tornado diplomatic tour of the new Prime Minister of Western Europe.
Some supervisors Even in the Commonwealth Day service of the festival on 10 March, Wales’s red dress was pointed to the princess because there is another sign of recognition for Canada.
Soft power and royal family
There are examples of these types of gestures that are “known as”Soft power“Unlike the difficult power of military and economic force used by governments, soft power describes any kind of methods that people or group can influence others through culture, personal diplomacy and even fashion.
As a Buckingham Palace source commented: “The king knows that the small gestures can send a sure signs of recognition about what is going on around the world.,
It is through the use of one of the most famous forms of the monarchy that enhances soft power State travelAt the request of the British Prime Minister, world leaders are invited by sovereign to London. The red carpet is rolled out for them, they won and dinner at a grand dinner at Buckingham Palace and they often make one Speech to Parliament,
These state trips are a way to use their soft power to positively influence diplomatic relations for the royal family.
In February, British Prime Minister Kir Stmper presented Trump with an invitation to the king Second state trip in BritainSo far, no date has been announced for the journey, but Raja’s meetings with Trudeau and Ukraine’s Volodimare Zelanceci Allegedly harassed Trump.
It remains to be seen how King Charles explained his constitutional role as the king of both the United Kingdom and Canada. Will Trump’s kingdom be only about British interests? Or will Charles use it as an opportunity to solve the concerns of their Canadian subjects?
,Author: Justin VavakRoyal historians, McMaster university,
,disclosure statement: Justin Vavak received money from the Council of Social Science and Humanities Research of Canada. Justin Vavak is an advisory board member for Crown’s Study Institute in Canada)
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