Palace releases King Charles strong message to Canada after Trump's warning

King Charles III has issued personal message to Canada as the North American country celebrated the 60th anniversary of its National Flag on Saturday.

The 76-year-old British monarch, who's also Canada's head of state, praised the "resilient" country amid his son Prince Harry's ongoing Invictus Games event in Vancouver.

The King, in his message shared by the royal family's social media accounts, wrote: "Today my wife and I join with Canadians across Canada, and around the world, to commemorate an important milestone - the 60th anniversary of the Canadian flag.

"On February 15, 1965, the red and white maple leaf was first flown on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Since that time, it has become internationally recognised as a symbol of a proud, resilient and compassionate country.'

The statement continued: "For my own part, it is a symbol that never fails to elicit a sense of pride and admiration, as I recall with the deepest affection my many Canadian visits and friendships."

The message comes after US President Donald Trump suggested that Canada should be made the "51st state".

Trump has repeatedly suggested that Canada could become a US state to avoid major tariffs on trade.