'IMPORTANT AS EVER'
King Charles calls for Commonwealth unity in ‘uncertain times’ – as monarch ‘worried’ about Trump v Canada trade war
Canada is facing tensions with Trump as he has called for their neighbours to become the US 51st state
KING Charles is calling for unity in a Commonwealth Day message – amid reports Ukraine could be invited to join.
In his annual Commonwealth Day message tomorrow Charles, 76, will speak of improving “spirit, support and friendship” during “these uncertain times”.
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It comes a week after Charles stood shoulder-to-shoulder with President Zelensky amid reports Ukraine could be invited to join the Commonwealth.
Charles will be joined by the Queen, Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Anne and Duke and Duchess of Gloucester for the annual Commonwealth Day ceremony at Westminster Abbey tomorrow.
In his message to the Commonwealth, he said: “In these uncertain times, where it is all too easy to believe that our differences are problems instead of a source of strength and an opportunity for learning, the Commonwealth’s remarkable collection of nations and peoples come together in the spirit of support and, crucially, friendship.
“The Commonwealth’s ability to bring together people from all over the world has stood the test of time and remains as ever-important today.”
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It comes after reports that Charles is "concerned" about the growing discord between the US and Canada.
The King this week held a meeting with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, after the Commonwealth leader faced pressure from the US.
Canada is facing tensions with Donald Trump's administration, as he has called for America's neighbours to become the US 51st state.
Charles is Canada's head of state and the monarch is seemingly worried as Trump and Trudeau continue to clash, reports
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A source close to Charles told the outlet: "It is business as usual, but with everything on a heightened level of significance. Canada is particularly on his mind.
"Of course, he knows he has to be mindful of being the UK head of state and the head of state in Canada, as well as being the head of the Commonwealth.
"It does require delicate diplomacy, given that not everyone’s interests are aligned.”
On Tuesday, the US slapped a brutal 25 per cent tariff on all goods imported from Canada and Mexico.
Just days later, Trump abruptly softened his stance, announcing that goods compliant with the North American free trade agreement would be exempt until April 2, with a possible carve-out for Canada.
But the damage had already been done.
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The US leader has repeatedly belittled his Canadian counterpart, referring to him as "Governor Trudeau" and even suggesting Canada should become America's "51st state".
Canadians have hit back, pulling US goods off shelves, booing the American national anthem and coffee shops have even replaced "Ameircanos" with "Canadianos".
Trudeau is already on his way out after being forced to resign in the face of a crushing election defeat.
His emotional farewell came just three days before his Liberal party selects a new leader on Sunday.
It comes after Keir Starmer wooed President Trump with an invitation from Charles for a second State Visit - just 24 hours before Zelenskyy was ambushed in the White House.
Charles, who has a “warm relationship” with both Trump and the Ukrainian leader, hosted Zelensky at Sandringham last Sunday.
Trump’s Canada tariff back-and-forth explained
DONALD Trump threw Canada into economic chaos this week by imposing a sudden 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian imports Tuesday, only to partially reverse course days later.
After sparking a trade war, the US president announced that goods compliant with the North American free trade agreement would be exempt until April 2.
He also hinted at a possible carve-out for Canada.
The move followed months of Trump mocking Justin Trudeau, referring to him as “Governor Trudeau” and suggesting Canada should become the U.S.’s 51st state.
Trudeau, who called the tariffs “dumb,” hit back with retaliatory duties on $155 billion worth of American goods.
There have been reports that Ukraine - which has so far failed to join NATO or the EU - could find a place in the Commonwealth.
Claims that the headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat in pall Mall, London, is “abuzz” with gossip that Ukraine could join the Commonwealth are said to be “wide of the mark”.
But a report by the Policy Exchange last October, called “One Family: Harnessing the Strategic Potential of the Commonwealth” presents the case for a more dynamic, relevant, and cohesive Commonwealth of Nations which builds on its existing advantages in areas such as trade and investment.
It said 49 per cent of adults think that the Commonwealth should invite Ukraine to submit a membership application.
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The Commonwealth, which originally centred on the British Empire, has grown to 56 independent nations, including Canada, India, Australia, South Africa, Nigeria and Malaysia and a combined population of 2.7bn.
New members such as Togo, Rwanda, Gabon and Mozambique, have all joined the club without any historical ties to the British Empire.
What items can potentially be impacted by Trump's tariffs?
President Trump's punishing tariffs against China, Canada, and Mexico, the United States' three largest trading partners, took effect on Tuesday morning.
Tariffs on China goods, which were already dealing with a 10 percent levy, were increased to 20 percent.
A 25 percent tariff against Canada, the United States' largest trading partner, and Mexico went into effect at 12:01 am on Tuesday.
Items that could see price hikes:
- Automotive industry: cars, trucks, car parts, gas and petroleum
- Electronics: household appliances, smartphones, tablets, computers, telecom equipment
- Everyday essentials: fruits, vegetables, bread, pastries, other baked goods, oils, beefs, pork, and poultry meats
- Consumer goods: cotton, footwear, toys, games, sporting equipment
- Spirits: tequila, Canadian whisky, Mexican beer
- Construction material: steel, softwood lumber, gypsum, aluminum, metal products
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