It started as a joke. In December 2024, Donald Trump glibly told Justin Trudeau that Canada should become the 51st state . Three months later, the “joke” seems to have become an American foreign policy goal for the second Trump administration.
Canadian Parliament has been unanimous in its response: “ Canada is not for sale .” But Canada's head of state, King Charles, has remained largely silent on the matter — until recently. Over the last several weeks, observers have started to pick up on subtle signs of support for Canadians from the King.
But many people have no doubt been wondering why there's not been a direct statement of support from King Charles. The answer to that question isn't as simple as many people might think. KING OF CANADA Since 1689, Britain has been a constitutional monarchy.
The sovereign is the head of state, but the prime minister leads the government. As such, the King can't interfere with politics. He is supposed to remain neutral and be the embodiment of the nation.
This crucial separation between palace and Parliament was solidified in Canada and throughout the Commonwealth in 1931 with the Statute of Westminster . In 1954, the Royal Styles and Titles Act separated the British Crown from the other Commonwealth realms. Queen Elizabeth became the first sovereign to ever be called Queen of Canada.
As a constitutional monarch, King Charles is bound by parliamentary limitations on his authority. He cannot act without taking advice from the prim.
