Sarah Ferguson has made an overture towards the United States as King Charles prepares to make a trip to Canada.
The Duchess of York, 65, and mother of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, celebrated how an American icon “showed the world” at an event in London.
Taking to Instagram, Fergie shared a photo of herself attending an event at London’s Benjamin Franklin House, where the American founding father had previously lived.
Franklin, who was a leading voice in the American revolution that achieved independence from Britain, had stayed in the property between 1757 and 1775.
Fergie has praised an American icon as Charles prepares to manage a tricky visit to Canada.
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The polymath writer, scientist and inventor, who is featured on the US $100 bill, is considered a seminal figure in American history.
“Over 200 years ago, Benjamin Franklin showed the world how bold ideas, when combined with action and purpose, could transform society,” Fergie wrote in her post.
She continued: “Today, that same spirit lives on in the next generation of young innovators tackling global challenges with creativity, empathy, and determination.”
The royal was appearing at the event to discuss the “power of innovation to drive meaningful change”.
Franklin was one of the founding fathers of the United States.
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In her post, Fergie was pictured alongside her “dear friend” Michael William Sheldrick where they discussed how carefully “nurtured and supported” ideas could make “a better future for all”.
The 65-year-old's post came as King Charles is preparing to travel to Canada on Monday, where he serves as head of state, to open that nation’s parliament.
It will be the first time in 70 years that a monarch has performed the prestigious duty.
The King will deliver the "speech from the throne" in Ottawa on Tuesday, a ceremonial role last performed by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1957.
Fergie’s message adds another layer of complexity to the tricky geopolitical environment Charles must manage on his visit.
Tensions between the Canada and the United States have repeatedly flared since the return of Donald Trump to the White House.
Trump has slammed their northern neighbour with a series of punishing trade tariffs and has repeatedly vowed to make them the 51st US state.
Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, the former Bank of England governor, overturned a grim electoral forecast the Liberal Party on a wave of anti-Trump sentiment.
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Charles will balance a tricky geopolitical relationship between Canada and the US during his trip.
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Jeremy Kinsman, former Canadian high commissioner to the UK, observed: “This is a big deal for the King to do this.”
However, he added that he hopes Trump “understands” the nuances necessary in such a delicate matter.
Kinsman expected that Charles’ speech will be "very affirmative of Canadian sovereignty" which he the monarch will “celebrate”.
The King's speech will be delivered in both French and English, reflecting Canada's bilingual heritage. It will primarily outline the government's legislative plans, but Kinsman predicts it will emphasise that "Canada will not be the US 51st state."
"It will say the government will protect, pursue and preserve the sovereignty of Canada as an independent state," Kinsman forecasted.
While most of the speech will be written on the advice of Canada's government, there is precedent for personal remarks. Queen Elizabeth II began her 1977 throne speech with her own comments, suggesting King Charles may add personal thoughts.
