King Charles’s popularity rises in Canada as polls show growing support for the monarchy, spurred by Trump’s rhetoric and national pride.
Royal Reception Warms as King Visits Canada
King Charles received an enthusiastic welcome during his recent two-day visit to Ottawa, marking a turning point in his relationship with Canadians. Once seen as a lukewarm successor to Queen Elizabeth II, Charles is now enjoying a notable popularity boost — reflected in new polling numbers released this week during his historic throne speech tour.
The tour, which concluded with a moving speech in Parliament, coincided with an apparent revival of public affection for the Crown in Canada, reversing downward trends seen shortly after his accession in 2022.
Polls Show a Shift in Public Sentiment
Recent polling by Pollara, conducted from May 20 to 24, shows a sharp rise in positive sentiment toward the monarch. The survey of 3,400 Canadians found that 44% now view King Charles favourably — a seven-point increase since 2022. Meanwhile, the number of Canadians with negative views dropped 10 points to 23%.
More strikingly, support for maintaining Canada’s constitutional monarchy now stands at 45%, overtaking the 39% who favour cutting ties — a complete reversal from previous data.
U.S. Rhetoric Sparks Canadian Reflection
Analysts point to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent “51st state” jabs and sovereignty-related threats as an unlikely catalyst behind the monarchy’s renewed relevance in Canada. According to Pollara’s Chief Strategy Officer Dan Arnold, these external pressures appear to have spurred national pride and appreciation for long-standing Canadian institutions.
“People are looking for stability,” Arnold told CBC News. “There’s nothing more stable than a centuries-old institution — and the Crown offers that sense of continuity.”
A King Recasting His Role
King Charles’s improved image appears to be the product of both circumstance and personal evolution. His early reign was clouded by controversy, with lingering skepticism shaped by decades of public scrutiny. However, his measured conduct as King — and recent openness about his health battle — may have softened public perceptions.
“He’s been able to put much of that behind him,” Arnold said, referencing years of tabloid attention and dramatizations like The Crown.
Ipsos data released this week supports this trend. Of the 1,000 Canadians surveyed, 66% now believe the monarchy helps define Canada’s identity in contrast to its southern neighbour, up from 54% last year.
Crowds, Camaraderie, and a Clearer Connection
The King’s visit attracted large, enthusiastic crowds across Ottawa, far exceeding attendance during his 2022 tour as Prince of Wales. Thousands gathered around Parliament Hill to see the monarch travel in the royal landau before his throne speech.
The emotional response from Charles did not go unnoticed. “Royals don’t normally show emotion,” noted British broadcaster ITV, “but Charles seemed unable to hide his reaction to the warm welcome.”
In a joint statement, Charles and Queen Camilla described the experience as “the fondest of returns to a nation and a people we love.”
Cultural Legacy Gains Renewed Value
Support for the monarchy as part of Canada’s heritage is also rising. Ipsos found that 65% of Canadians now view the institution as an important element of national history, up from 58% two years ago. Calls to end the monarchy have dropped to 46%, down significantly from 60% in 2020.
John Fraser, president of the Institute for the Study of the Crown in Canada, says these numbers reflect more than polling cycles. “There’s clearly a rallying effect happening,” he said, noting that Trump’s rhetoric may have unintentionally boosted Canadian loyalty to the monarchy.
Republicans Still Resist, but Momentum Builds
Not all are swayed. Pierre Vincent, spokesperson for Citizens for a Canadian Republic, criticized the notion of foreign monarchy, quipping, “We’re telling Donald Trump, ‘You’re not our billionaire boss — this one is.’”
Still, monarchists like Robert Finch, chairman of the Monarchist League of Canada, believe the tide is turning. “The biggest threat to the monarchy isn’t republicanism — it’s apathy,” he said. “This visit reignited interest. This may be the moment that secures King Charles’s place in Canada.”
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