• Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticizes UK for inviting Trump to a state visit.
• Carney states Canadians were not impressed by the gesture, citing sovereignty concerns.
• King Charles III is set to visit Canada for the first time since 1977.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has publicly criticized the UK's invitation to U.S. President Donald Trump for a second state visit. He expressed that Canadians were "not impressed" by the invitation, particularly given Trump's repeated comments about the possibility of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state, which has raised concerns about Canadian sovereignty. Carney stated, "To be frank, they [Canadians] weren't impressed by that gesture...given the circumstance," emphasizing the sensitivity surrounding the issue of sovereignty, according to Newsweek and Reuters.

During an interview with Sky News, Carney pointed out that the invitation undermines the Canadian government's efforts to project unity against Trump's provocative remarks. He noted that Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented the invitation during a visit to the White House while trying to strengthen relations with Trump. Carney remarked, "All issues around Canada’s sovereignty have been accentuated by the president," which he deemed as a significant issue requiring acknowledgment, according to HuffPost and The Hill.

King Charles III, who is scheduled to attend Canada's state opening of parliament on May 27, has made gestures toward Canada to reaffirm the relationship between the monarchy and the country. Carney indicated that having Charles attend the event is more than just a ceremonial appearance; it is part of a broader statement concerning Canadian sovereignty amid ongoing challenges from the U.S. president. "It is also a reaffirming moment for Canadians," Carney stated, referring to the historical significance of the visit as the first by a British monarch since 1977, according to BBC and India Times.

Carney has also emphasized that Canada is "not for sale" and urged Trump to refrain from comments suggesting otherwise. He reiterated that the invitation to Trump does not align with the current diplomatic efforts surrounding Canadian sovereignty and highlighted the importance of maintaining a respectful relationship. "I leave the diplomacy to the UK government," Carney remarked while acknowledging the complexities involved in international relations, according to HuffPost and The Hill.