In a world that’s never been more dangerous, King Charles III addressed the Canadian Parliament on Tuesday, articulating the unprecedented challenges Canada is facing. His speech, delivered in French, one of Canada’s official languages, is perceived as a show of support amidst annexation threats by U.S. President Donald Trump.
King Charles III’s Address to the Canadian Parliament
The king, who is the head of state in Canada, a member of the Commonwealth of former colonies, was invited by Prime Minister Mark Carney to present a speech from the throne. This move came in response to Trump’s repeated suggestion of Canada becoming the 51st state of the U.S.
King Charles III expressed his concerns stating, “We must face reality: since the Second World War, our world has never been more dangerous and unstable.” He also acknowledged the anxiety felt by many Canadians due to the drastically changing world around them. However, he reaffirmed Canada’s sovereignty, insisting the “True North is indeed strong and free.”
Trump responded to the king’s visit later that day, suggesting that if Canada becomes the “cherished 51st State” it won’t have to pay to join his future Golden Dome missile defense program.
A Rare Moment in Canadian History
It’s not common for the monarch to deliver the speech from the throne in Canada. The late Queen Elizabeth II, Charles’ mother, did it twice. Charles noted that it had been nearly 70 years since his mother first opened Parliament. This visit marked Charles’ first as king and his 20th overall.
Charles highlighted the transformation of Canada over the years, from repatriating its constitution to achieving full independence. He commended the country for embracing its British, French and Indigenous roots and evolving into a bold, ambitious, innovative, truly multicultural and bilingual nation.
Underscoring Canada’s Sovereignty
While Canadians generally show indifference to the monarchy, Prime Minister Carney is keen to underline the differences between Canada and the United States. After the United States gained independence from Britain, Canada continued as a constitutional monarchy with a British-style parliamentary system, achieving full sovereignty in 1867. The king’s visit clearly underscores Canada’s sovereignty, Carney said.
Carney, who won the job of prime minister by promising to confront the increased aggression shown by Trump, is eager to diversify trade. More than 75% of Canada’s exports go to the U.S., a fact that has been leveraged by Trump in his threats of imposing sweeping tariffs on Canadian products.
Tense Relationship with the U.S.
Just a few days ago, the new U.S. ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, stated that Canadians should move on from the 51st state talk. He suggested that if there’s a message to be sent, there are easier ways — such as calling him or Trump.
The king emphasized the need for Canada to protect Quebec’s dairy supply management industry, which has been a point of contention in trade talks with Trump. He also stated that the Canadian government will protect the country’s sovereignty by reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces, countering Trump’s claims that Canada doesn’t spend enough on its military.
Furthermore, the king mentioned the country’s plan to join the “REARM Europe” plan — a major defense procurement project to ramp up arms production in Europe.
Pomp and Ceremony
The royal couple was taken to the Senate of Canada Building in a horse-drawn carriage, accompanied by 28 horses. After inspecting a 100-person honor guard and receiving a 21-gun salute, the king entered the building as the crowd cheered. Former Canadian Prime Ministers Justin Trudeau and Stephen Harper were among those in attendance.
After the speech and a visit to Canada’s National War Memorial, the king returned to the U.K. The royal visit, according to Canadian royal historian Justin Vovk, was reminiscent of when Queen Elizabeth II opened the Parliament in Grenada, a member of the Commonwealth, in 1985.
Charles is also the king of the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica and others — 14 realms in total. He exercises no political power in any of them.
