Canadians gearing up for King Charles III’s visit

King Charles III will open the Canadian Parliament next week, marking the first time a British monarch has done so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1977. His visit, from May 26‑27, comes amid tensions sparked by Donald Trump’s threats to annex Canada as the 51st U.S. state. Charles’s visit, arranged by the U.K. and reflecting his dual role as British and Canadian king, coincides with contrasting foreign policies. U.K. Prime Minister Starmer has sought closer ties with Trump, while Canadian Prime Minister Carney has defended Canada’s sovereignty, Newsweek has reported. Despite growing support for the monarchy in Canada amid Trump’s rhetoric, polls remain divided, with 40 % favoring abolition and 31 % supporting its continuation.