King Charles III will make a pivotal address in Canada's Parliament later today, a statement meant to bolster the nation amidst ongoing tensions with US President Donald Trump. The royal couple, King Charles and Queen Camilla, received a warm reception upon their arrival in Ottawa, marking their first visit to Canada since taking the throne.
Following their arrival, King Charles met with Prime Minister Mark Carney, who recently rose to power on a platform emphasizing Canada’s independence and an anti-Trump sentiment. “Our constitutional monarchy” was lauded by Carney as a distinctive feature of Canada's national identity, underscoring that crises often strengthen it.
The King has been invited to deliver the traditional "Speech from the throne," which marks the first occasion in nearly half a century where this ceremony will be performed by a monarch. This address is seen as a symbolic endorsement of Canada’s sovereign stance, especially in the face of Trump's assertions regarding Canada's relationship with the United States.
Written with guidance from the Canadian government, the speech is expected to convey Canada’s determination to remain independent. Carney indicated that the speech, which will be presented in both French and English, is designed to resonate with "the weight of our times."
Before the address, King Charles and Carney engaged in discussions at Rideau Hall, where they met with representatives of Canadian Indigenous and First Nations groups, including Cindy Woodhouse, the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations. The King participated in a tree-planting event in the sunshine, attracting cheers and waves from enthusiastic citizens.
Local attendees expressed gratitude for the royal support during these uncertain times. "Canada feels threatened and scared. It is very important he is here,” said Theresa McKnight of Mississauga. Her sister echoed her sentiment, emphasizing the significance of the King's appearance alongside Canadians.
The visit is set to last approximately 24 hours, during which the King has engaged in various ceremonial activities, including starting a street hockey game and receiving jars of maple syrup as a nod to Canadian culture. However, the main emphasis remains on the upcoming speech, which is intended to project a clear rejection of any suggestion that Canada could be assimilated as the 51st state of the US.
In this context, King Charles is tasked with maintaining good relations with Trump while also delivering a strong message of Canadian sovereignty. As noted by one observer at Rideau Hall, “Sovereignty is important and he is the epitome of that.”
