That role has been entirely ceremonial for decades, with the king’s majestic title considered a relic of a bygone era. Nowadays, Canadians are known more for their embrace of multiculturalism and anti-racism than hereditary sovereignty.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has made his much-anticipated first visit to the White House, as his country and the United States continue to spar over trade, tariffs and the prospect of reimagining their shared borders.

A meeting between the leaders of Canada and the United States is not usually considered a high-stakes showdown.