A maple tree, a red dress and a ceremonial sword may seem like cold comfort for Canadians hoping to hear their head of state defend them against U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated pitches to annex their country.

King Charles has reportedly expressed his “deep affection” for Canada as Donald Trump has threatened to annex the nation and has engaged in a trade war with his northern neighbour. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

King Charles wore Canadian military honours on his uniform on Tuesday. He was visiting the HMS Prince of Wales ahead of its departure to Japan, the Royal Navy said in a news release on March 4.

At the time, the monarch hailed Canada as a "proud, resilient and compassionate country" and spoke of his "deepest affection" for its people. The King greeted his Canadian guests in both English and French before their 30-minute discussion, during which he presented Mr Peters with a new ceremonial sword commissioned by the Senate in his honour.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will meet with King Charles III on Monday where he will discuss U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to make Canada the 51st state

King Charles presented his Canadian personal attendant and messenger with a new ceremonial sword at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, a symbolic gesture that carries added meaning as the country stares down U.

Open the Youtube video King Charles has made a "very clever" diplomatic move by reaffirming his commitment to Canada amid escalating tensions with the United States, according to political commentator Scarlett McGwire.