King Charles makes key decision to strengthen reign amid threats

King Charles III has made a smart move to show his affection for Canada as he received two senior figures from the country's parliament after Donald Trump's statement.

The 76-year-old monarch, who is also Canada's head of state, has taken a wise decision amid Ottawa's trade war with Washington.

The King, who met last week with outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, welcomed the 'Canadian Usher of the Black Rod', Greg Peters, and the Speaker of the Canadian senate, Raymonde Gagne, to Buckingham Palace.

King Charles reaffirmed his support and love for Canada and its people. The meeting was to bestow a new ceremonial sword on the usher, commissioned by the Senate in the King's honour to mark his accession to the throne.

As a constitutional monarch the king cannot comment on current tensions between Canada and the US, but sources have made clear in recent days that he is able to show his backing through 'deed if not word'.

The meeting comes after the US president floated the idea of making Canada the 51st US state.

On Tuesday, he even threatened to double his planned tariffs on steel and aluminum for Canada but later halted the plan. The incoming Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has vowed to keep retaliatory tariffs in place until the US commits to free trade.