CTV News royal commentator Richard Berthelsen has served four governors general and lieutenant governors, and has helped organize royal visits since 1978. With increasing rhetoric from the White House about U.S. President Donald Trump’s interest in an American takeover of Greenland — combined with ongoing tariffs and statements regarding Canada’s trade relationship with the United States — there is growing uncertainty about the future of our country, the North, and respect for national sovereignty. Once again, Canadians are looking for strong voices to speak up for our country and for our close neighbours and friends in Greenland and Denmark. Canada and Denmark share northern territories that would be impacted by any such actions proposed by the president. Both nations are constitutional monarchies whose kings play important symbolic roles—particularly during times of conflict, unease, and tension. Throughout early 2024, Canadians were rightly concerned about threats to our economic and political independence, and many hoped to hear directly from the King in support of Canada. This was a challenging period, given the King’s dual role as Head of State of both the United Kingdom and Canada. In his U.K. role, Canadians observed the King extend a second state visit invitation to the president, as well as suggest a planned visit to the United States in 2026 to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. The British government continues to use the symbolic power and prestige of the monarchy to support its diplomatic and trade objectives. ‘Strong and free’ The Crown in Canada is not positioned to play a similar role with the United States. However, the King’s visit in May 2025 to open Parliament was a significant moment, invigorating Canadian pride — particularly with the concluding statement affirming that “the True North is indeed strong and free.” While tensions have not eased in the months since, Canadians may question how American actions toward Greenland could influence the King’s response, especially if tensions with the United States increase. The King has long-standing familiarity with Northern Canada, having visited several times as Prince of Wales. Notably, he joined Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, and Princess Anne in 1970 for an extensive tour of the Northwest Territories during its centennial. The visit occurred against a backdrop of American disregard for Canadian sovereignty over the Northwest Passage following the passage of an oil tanker through Canadian waters. Determined to assert Canadian sovereignty, the government ensured the Royal Family visited at least seven communities. Prince Charles returned to Canada in April 1975 and even dove beneath Arctic ice during an 11-day tour that included a visit to Resolute Bay, one of the northernmost accessible points in Canada. Few public figures today have comparable exposure to northern climates and communities. Palace undoubtedly monitoring events The King’s understanding of the Arctic also extends to Greenland, where his cousin — King Frederik X of Denmark — is Head of State. The two monarchs are third cousins once removed, reflecting typical European royal family ties. European nations and NATO allies, including Canada, are rallying behind Denmark in the current dispute with the United States. Buckingham Palace is undoubtedly monitoring events closely, aware of the challenges facing King Frederik. While constitutional monarchs do not negotiate directly with foreign officials, they remain essential symbols of national sovereignty and reflect public sentiment. In his New Year’s message, King Frederik made a tactful reference to unity “in the Kingdom of Denmark, in Europe and in NATO” and references to the Danish Forces in Greenland -- remarks that would not go unnoticed in London. In 2024, King Frederik updated Denmark’s Royal Coat of Arms to better reflect modern realities, giving greater prominence to Greenland and the Faroe Islands—strengthening Danish unity before renewed American interest in Greenland emerged. King Frederik has a deep personal connection to Greenland, frequently describing it as a place where he felt free. Before his accession, he undertook dog-sled expeditions, spent extensive time in remote communities, and he and Queen Mary gave their twins Greenlandic middle names. He often spoke internationally about protecting Greenland’s fragile ecosystem and championed its economic interests. In many ways, his approach mirrors King Charles’s longstanding focus on the North. Direct implications for Canada Canadians will be watching closely, as developments in Greenland have direct implications for Canada. Many also wonder how the King might leverage his relationship with the president during anticipated U.S. visits in the months ahead, including Prince William’s visit for the FIFA games. Constitutional monarchs walk a tightrope between public expectations, governmental directives, and required political neutrality. This also applies to heirs like the Prince of Wales, who must balance a global profile with the apolitical nature of his role. The King has been an ardent supporter of Ukraine and of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and when he hosted the president recently, many observers believe he influenced the president’s views on Ukraine. Buckingham Palace will continue monitoring developments in Denmark and Greenland, offering discreet support to King Frederik and the Danish people — long-standing allies of the United Kingdom. The Palace is also acutely aware of threats to Canadian sovereignty, given Greenland’s proximity to Northern Canada and its importance to Indigenous communities, including the Inuit. The King will follow closely the Governor General’s upcoming planned visit to Greenland. The Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, formerly Ambassador to Denmark and Canada’s Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs, is also a prominent Inuk leader. Prime Minister Mark Carney has also asked her to visit the President of Mexico this week, emphasizing Canada’s diplomatic and trade links at the highest level. Constitutional monarchs typically encourage dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful resolution. However, should the situation escalate into armed conflict or other drastic actions by the United States regarding Greenland, it would be difficult for King Charles to proceed with a planned state visit to the U.S. At the same time, given his influence with the president — particularly regarding Ukraine — his engagement may remain an essential diplomatic asset. These are challenging times for all institutions, especially those diplomatic and inherently non-political. With the United States pursuing an increasingly expansionist economic and foreign policy, it is difficult for monarchies to operate as usual. The year 2026 will be a test for Canada and its allies. Canadians will be watching the King’s posture — and that of his crowned counterparts — to see how they respond to these times and provide support and reassurance to their citizens.
