British king visits Canada amid US annexation threats

OTTAWA - Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived Monday for a two-day visit to Canada amid US President Donald Trump's threats to make it the 51st US state.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a statement that Charles' first visit as King of Canada is a reminder of the bond between Canada and the Crown to reflect "strength, diversity, and confidence".

Carney announced the royal visit in his post-election victory press conference, saying that it "underscores the sovereignty" of Canada.

"The presence of Their Majesties at this pivotal moment in our history holds profound significance," said Governor General Mary Simon in a statement, "It reaffirms the enduring constitutional bond that has shaped Canada's journey into a proud and independent nation."

As the highlight of his visit, Charles will deliver the Speech from the Throne in the Senate chamber on Tuesday, nearly 70 years after a Canadian sovereign first opened the country's parliament.

The visit is widely understood as a support to the Canadian sovereignty, particularly against the backdrop of Trump's repeated annexation threats toward Canada on various occasions, which he said would be a "wonderful marriage". He also called the border between the two countries "artificial".

When meeting Carney earlier this month, Trump said it would be best for Canada as the "51st state" of the United States with a lot of advantage, tax cut and free military. Carney jumped in, saying that Canada is "never for sale".