The Prince of Wales has held a telephone conversation with Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney and discussed his “longstanding affection” for the nation and its people.

The two men chatted on Monday for the first time since the former governor of the Bank of England took office.

A Kensington Palace spokesperson said William and Mr Carney talked about the “enduring strength” of the relationship between the two countries and William’s “longstanding affection” for Canada and its people.

The King, Canada’s head of state, visited the country with Queen Camilla in May last year, a few weeks after Mr Carney’s Liberal Party election victory.

Canada was the first country visited by William and Kate after their wedding in April 2011, and they toured extensively.

It is understood that as heir to the throne William makes routine calls to world leaders, likely to build up a rapport and connection with statesmen and women.

A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “This afternoon, the Prince of Wales spoke by telephone with the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney.

“This was the first conversation between the pair since the Prime Minister took office.

“During the call, they discussed the enduring strength of the UK-Canada relationship, as well as the Prince of Wales’ longstanding affection for Canada and its people.”