Prince William speaks to Canadian PM Mark Carney for the first time since he took office

From the Newshound archive · first published 21 September 2026 · last updated 22 September 2026.

Prince William called Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday — their first exchange since Carney took office — with Kensington Palace saying the two spoke about the "enduring strength" of the UK-Canada relationship. William also conveyed his "longstanding affection" for Canada and its people. The call coincided with the reopening of Canada's parliament for its autumn session.

Canada holds particular personal meaning for William: it was the first country he and Catherine visited on an official tour, following their April 2011 wedding.

CBC notes the call was unusual, since William holds no constitutional role in Canada and direct contact between the heir apparent and a sitting prime minister seldom occurs.

King Charles, Canada's head of state, visited Ottawa last year and declared 'The True North is indeed strong and free' amid Trump's 51st-state taunts.