King Charles III arrived in Canada on Monday for a symbolic visit showing support for the country, which recognizes him as its sovereign, amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to acquire the North American nation as the 51st U.S. state.

Charles and his wife Queen Camilla landed at Ottawa Airport in Ontario, where the king met on the tarmac with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Governor General Mary Simon, the king’s representative in Canada. The king later held separate meetings with Carney and Simon.

Charles, 76, has kept a limited schedule while undergoing cancer treatment. His two-trip to Canada signals a strong commitment to the country, which is one of 15 nations where he is monarch.

This is Charles’ first visit to the former British colony since becoming king in September 2022.

Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive at Ottawa Airport, Canada, May 26, 2025. (Getty Images)

The king now must perform a tricky balancing act as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is attempting to reach favorable outcomes with Trump over trade and the war in Ukraine.

When Starmer visited the White House in February, he delivered Trump an invitation from Charles for an unprecedented second state visit for the U.S. president, who has repeatedly praised the royal family.

Carney, however, said that gesture had upset Canadians.

Reuters contributed to this report.