Trudeau doesn’t know what to do and it’s hilarious.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to meet with King Charles III, the ceremonial head of state for Canada, on Monday to discuss the escalating tensions surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to turn Canada into the 51st state. While King Charles is expected to engage with Trudeau on this issue, his silence on the matter so far has drawn sharp criticism in Canada, particularly from those who believe the monarchy should take a more active role in defending Canadian sovereignty.
Many Canadians are uneasy about the lack of a strong public response from the king, as his position on the matter could send a clear message of solidarity with Canada’s independence. As the head of state of Canada—a country that is part of the British Commonwealth—King Charles holds a ceremonial role that many feel carries a responsibility to act when Canada’s sovereignty is being challenged. However, despite the rising concerns, the royal family has remained largely quiet on Trump’s rhetoric.
Alberta’s former Premier Jason Kenney has voiced frustration over this silence, suggesting that the Canadian government should formally request the king to issue a statement affirming Canada’s sovereignty. Kenney, like many others, believes it is vital for the monarchy to stand with Canada in the face of such threats.
Meanwhile, political experts like Daniel Béland from McGill University argue that while Trudeau may raise the issue with both King Charles and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the matter is politically delicate. Any misstep could provoke a backlash, both in Canada and internationally, particularly from President Trump, whose unpredictable nature complicates any diplomatic maneuvering.
While there is a small, yet vocal, anti-royal sentiment in Canada, the larger debate centers on the monarchy’s relevance in the modern world. Canadians have long been divided on whether the monarchy should remain, with many holding a deep respect for Queen Elizabeth II, whose reign lasted over 40 years and who visited Canada numerous times. King Charles, in contrast, has failed to capture the same affection from Canadians, and his role remains questioned by those who believe that if he cannot speak up for Canadian sovereignty, then his position as monarch may no longer serve a useful purpose.
This issue has reignited discussions about the monarchy’s future in Canada, with some pushing for a reevaluation of its place in the country’s political framework. The possibility of abolishing the monarchy would require a complex constitutional process, which remains politically risky given Canada’s diverse population and the challenges involved in making such a drastic change to the nation’s foundational structure.
In the coming days, Trudeau’s meeting with King Charles could set the stage for a renewed conversation on Canada’s relationship with the monarchy, and whether it is time for a shift in how Canada defines its national identity.