King Charles discussed national and international topics of great concern as he welcomed officers from the Canadian parliament to Buckingham Palace on Wednesday
King Charles gave officers from the Canadian parliament “a warm exchange of greetings” – in French – on Wednesday.
The monarch, who is also Canada’s head of state, welcomed the ‘Canadian Usher of the Black Rod’, Greg Peters, and the Speaker of the Canadian senate, Raymonde Gagne, to Buckingham Palace.
They discussed national and international topics of great concern, it is understood, after Charles addressed them in both French and English. Charles, 76, has given multiple speeches in French over the years, and, in 2023, won over an audience of politicians in Berlin when he delivered much of his speech to the Bundestag in German.
English and French are the co-official languages of Canada and Charles’ charm appear to work as the audience, which has long been scheduled, saw the parties mull over a range of key topics for half an hour. Buckingham Palace said it was a “private audience” and gave no indication on what exactly was discussed.
But the meeting came after Donald Trump threatened historic financial devastation for Canada amid an escalating and erratic trade war, alongside repeated vows to make the country America’s 51st state.
Incoming Canadian prime minister Mark Carney has pledged to keep retaliatory tariffs in place until the US commits to free trade. Mr Trump had threatened to double his planned tariffs on steel and aluminium from 25% to 50% for Canada, but hours later halted the plan.
The King is said to have spent 30 minutes discussing topics of great concern to all parties, both nationally and internationally. He is said to have delivered a warm exchange of greetings in French and English.
The audience was held to present Mr Peters with a new ceremonial sword commissioned by the Senate in the King’s honour to mark the change of reign.
Charles is said to have shared his personal thanks for what was described as such a thoughtful gesture as he bestowed the sword on Mr Peters. The King is “very conscious” of his global responsibility and unique diplomatic role and is determined to put that to use, a royal source previously said.
Charles met outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the start of the month, a day after he received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Sandringham.
The monarch was hailed for offering a show of solidarity to Mr Zelensky by warmly welcoming him after the president’s dramatic Oval Office clash with Mr Trump.
The challenges Canada faces with its nearest neighbour were said to be high on the agenda, as was support for Ukraine, when the King met Mr Trudeau on March 3.