US President Donald Trump has refreshed his threat to annex Canada just hours after King Charles spoke of the nation's "anxiety about a drastically changing world" while opening parliament in Ottawa.
Since returning to office in November last year, the 78-year-old President has repeatedly claimed Canada would become America’s “51st state”.
Taking to his social media platform Truth Social as King Charles and Camilla departed Canada, Trump unleashed a fresh claim on his northern neighbour – referencing the United States' new £45 billion ($61 billion) missile defence array.
“I told Canada, which very much wants to be part of our fabulous Golden Dome System, that it will cost $61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation, but will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State,” he wrote.
Donald Trump has issued a new threat to Canada after King Charles' Canada speech.
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“They are considering the offer!” Trump explosively claimed as he signed off.
Holding the staggering cost of the new Golden Dome system, intended to counter the threat of missile attacks, over Canada is the latest in the US president’s campaign.
Repeated threats of annexation, enacting punishing trade tariffs and frosty meetings with Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney and former PM Justin Trudeau have characterised Trump’s approach to the nation.
It was this environment that seemed to prompt elements of King Charles’ Throne Speech before gathered lawmakers and dignitaries.
Trump referenced his new £45 billion missile defence system.
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"Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them... Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can take away,” he said.
The veiled comment was soon followed by a direct reference to the United States, with Charles celebrating Carney and Trump beginning to “define a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the US.”
He added that relationship would be: “rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests, to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations.”
Charles also referenced Canada’s need to be “truly strong” and “secure” as he highlighted plans for increased security at Canada’s borders and measures to “stop the flow of fentanyl and its precursors”.
Charles spoke of Canadian "anxiety" about "about the drastically changing world" in his address.
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The reference to borders and fentanyl could also have been a message to Trump, who has often wielded the importation of the opioid via the northern boundary as a cudgel against Canada.
King Charles also spoke of the need for Canada to reinvest in the nation’s armed forces.
However, he made no mention of the Golden Dome nor any US cooperation – instead, Charles outlined plans to “invest in transatlantic security with Canada’s European partners”.
Speaking to GB News after the speech, Prime Minister Mark Carney celebrated: “It was a very successful visit. A good reminder of the strength of Canadian institutions.”
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The King's speech was interpreted by some as a veiled reference to Canadian sovereignty in the speech.
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“Our sovereignty is strong, the true north, strong and free,” he added.
After the milestone engagement, King Charles and Queen Camilla made for home.
The royal couple issued a statement upon their departure: “As my wife and I leave Canada, we wanted to send our most heartfelt thanks to all those who turned out to offer their support on this, my first visit as sovereign," the King and Queen said.
"It was the warmest of welcomes - and the fondest of returns to a land and a people we love," they added, concluding with: "Until the next time, au revoir, Canada, et avec tous nos remerciements."
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