ROYAL ALLIES

As Prince William and Kate prepare to host President Trump, the royals' roles on the world stage have never been more critical for Canada

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It was an extraordinary occasion when the Prince of Wales and Donald Trump sat down together after the Paris reopening of Notre Dame cathedral last December. The incoming U.S. president, 78, and future King, 42, appeared to get along famously, with Donald describing Prince William as a “good man” who “loves his wife” and is “doing a fantastic job.”

The goodwill continues as President Trump, now in office, has been invited to Britain for an unprecedented second state visit and is expected to reciprocate by hosting the royals at the White House in 2026.

But amid the camaraderie, King Charles, 76, is said to be concerned about the standoff between the U.S. and Canada – an issue that’s “particularly on his mind,” reports the Sunday Times. This was confirmed by Justin Trudeau after his final visit to Buckingham Palace as Canadian prime minister earlier this month. He and the King “spoke about matters of importance to Canadians,” said Justin, 53, “including, above all, Canada’s sovereign and independent future.”

The monarch’s support has never been more critical, according to Canadian royal expert Patricia Treble. “Charles III’s role as King of Canada means he could end up playing an outsized role as tensions ratchet up between the [two nations],” she tells Hello!, noting that the looming tariff war – coupled with Trump’s repeated insistence that this country should become America’s 51st state – represents “an existential threat, not only to Canada but to the Crown in Canada.”