King Charles Hosts Canadian PM Carney at Buckingham Palace

King Charles III welcomed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to Buckingham Palace on March 16, hosting an audience in the 1844 Room as Carney celebrated his 61st birthday. The encounter, captured in photographs shared by the Royal Family's official X account, drew widespread attention not only for the diplomatic significance but also for an unintended optical illusion involving a decorative ornament that appeared to perch a parrot on Carney's shoulder.

The meeting followed Carney's earlier discussions that day with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. According to a government spokesperson, the leaders highlighted the robust UK-Canada relationship, emphasizing close cooperation on trade and defense. They identified opportunities to expand this partnership for mutual benefit. The talks also addressed the Middle East, where both agreed on the need to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to ensure stability and protect international shipping routes. On Ukraine, the pair reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Kyiv and urged global partners to sustain pressure on Russia, including restrictions on its resources.