King Charles welcomes Justin Trudeau to Sandringham as Canadian PM speaks of ‘standing up for our sovereignty’

King Charles has received Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Sandringham House for a private audience. 

Prime Minister Trudeau was in London this past weekend to represent Canada at the European summit on Ukraine. 

When asked by reporters on Sunday what he would speak about with His Majesty, the Canadian PM replied ”s always, we will discuss matters of importance to Canada and to Canadians, and I can tell you that nothing seems more important to Canadians right now than standing up for our sovereignty and our independence as a nation.”

Since taking office in January 2025, US President Donald Trump has made comments implying that the US could annex Canada, referring to Canada as “the 51st State” and Prime Minister Trudeau as “Governor Trudeau”. 

As of the start of March, the postponed US tariffs on Canadian goods (as well as goods from other nations) are due to begin on Tuesday, 4 March. 

The Royal Family has shared an image on social media of King Charles and Trudeau happily shaking hands. No information about the specifics discussed during the audience has been released. 

The Crown of Canada has been separate from the Crown of Great Britain since 1931 when the Statute of Westminster was passed. King Charles is represented in Canada by the Governor, an office currently held by Mary Simon.