Prince William calls Canadian PM Carney, unusual contact between heir and sitting premier
A phone conversation between the heir to the British throne and Canada's prime minister draws attention for its rarity.
What to know
- Prince William called Canadian PM Carney and expressed affection for Canada in what observers note is an unusual direct contact between an heir apparent and a sitting prime minister.
- Online users debate whether the two have a pre-existing relationship from Carney's time at the Bank of England, or whether this signals a new role for the royals in trade or diplomatic matters.
- Some commenters raise questions about nepotism concerns and speculate about broader implications for the British monarchy.
The dispute Whether the call reflects Carney and William's pre-existing friendship (and thus is routine) or represents a new diplomatic/trade role for the heir that warrants scrutiny. · positions read across 2 posts and comments
The call is unremarkable because Carney and William have a longstanding personal relationship from Carney's Bank of England days.
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“They are buddies from back in the day, they knew each other when he was in England, not usual and not something worth reporting case closed”
Mastodon user · Mastodon ↗
The call signals an emerging role for royals in trade missions or diplomatic engagement on behalf of the Crown.
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“Royals as part of trade missions? Who knows.”
Mastodon user · Mastodon ↗
The call raises concerns about potential nepotism and the influence of personal relationships on political decisions.
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“Don't play stupid. You know I'm talking about potential nepotism between the former Bank of England governor and his brother.”
sluttytinkerbells · Reddit ↗
Prince William Heir to the British throne
Mark Carney Canadian Prime Minister
How it unfolded 1 development · click the chart to see its coverage postscomments
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Online users speculate on motives and precedent
Reddit and Mastodon users discuss the rarity of such contact, with speculation ranging from potential trade missions involving royals, to conspiracy theories about King Charles's health, to suggestions that Carney and William have a pre-existing relationship from when Carney headed the Bank of England.
“Phone conversation between sitting prime minister and the heir apparent is unusual…”
— CBC News · source -
Don't play stupid. You know I'm talking about potential nepotism between the former Bank of England governor and his brother. The fact that this idea never enters your mind or that you pretend it doesn't is disconcerting.
1 more of the top 2 · 2 posts in this stretch
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Ah yes, noted nepo baby Sean Carney who checks notes has a forty year career in finance and capital management along with a Harvard education and a law degree from University of Chicago?
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background
Prince William calls Canadian PM Carney — Prince William spoke by phone with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and shared his "long-standing affection for Canada." The conversation between the heir apparent and a sitting prime minister is described as unusual.