LONDON, England — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed dissatisfaction over the UK government’s decision to invite U.S. President Donald Trump for a second state visit, saying the move did not sit well with Canadians amid ongoing concerns about their national sovereignty.
Speaking to Sky News on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, Carney said the invitation extended earlier this year by British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer came at a time when President Trump was making repeated remarks suggesting Canada could become the “51st state” of the United States.
“To be frank, [Canadians] weren’t impressed by that gesture… given the circumstance,” Carney said.
“It was at a time when we were being quite clear about the issues around sovereignty.”
The UK government extended the invitation during a meeting between Starmer and Trump at the White House in February.
When asked whether he felt the invitation was appropriate, Carney deflected, saying, “That is a decision for the government of the UK and Buckingham Palace. I leave the diplomacy to the UK government.”
Neither No 10 nor Carney’s office has issued further comment. Buckingham Palace, when contacted by the BBC, referred inquiries to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Carney’s remarks come ahead of a significant royal visit to Canada later this month.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are expected to travel to Ottawa, where the monarch will attend the opening of Canada’s Parliament—an event historically reserved for the Governor General.
The last time the reigning sovereign delivered the Speech from the Throne in Canada was in 1977 by Queen Elizabeth II.
Carney described the timing of the King’s visit as “not coincidental”, calling it a “reaffirming moment” in light of recent rhetoric from the U.S. president.
“This is about reinforcing the principles of Canadian sovereignty,” Carney said, alluding directly to Trump’s comments, including one in which the president described the U.S.–Canada border as an “artificially drawn line.”
During a recent diplomatic visit to Washington, Carney met with Trump to open talks on a new trade and security partnership.
However, the meeting was overshadowed by the president’s continued references to Canada as a future U.S. state.
Carney was candid about the encounter. “He [Trump] has shifted his tone from expectation to a desire for that to happen,” the prime minister said.
“He also came from a place where he recognised that was not going to happen.”
Reaffirming Canada’s position, Carney stated unequivocally: “Canada is not for sale, ever.”
He also indicated that until Canada receives what he called the “respect it deserves,” future engagements with the Trump administration would be approached cautiously.
“I’ll meet the president,” he said, “but not at any cost.”
