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King Charles III arrived in Ottawa on Monday for a brief but highly symbolic visit to open Canada’s parliament—an event not seen since his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, performed the duty 68 years ago. Invited by Prime Minister Mark Carney, Charles’s delivery of the throne speech, traditionally read by the governor general, signals strong affirmation of Canada’s identity as a constitutional monarchy.
At 76 and undergoing cancer treatment, Charles’s two-day trip highlights his commitment to Canada, one of 15 countries where he reigns as monarch.
A clear message to Trump’s annexation threats
The visit carries an unmistakable undertone: pushback against US President Donald Trump’s repeated suggestions of annexing Canada as the 51st state.
Trump’s comments have been firmly rejected by Canadian leadership, including Carney, who secured his recent election partly by opposing any notion of American acquisition.
“The prime minister has made it clear that Canada is not for sale now, is not for sale ever,” said Ralph Goodale, Canada’s envoy to the UK. “The King, as head of state, will reinforce the power and strength of that message.”
Subtle signs of loyalty and sovereignty
Though King Charles has never publicly addressed Trump’s annexation talk, his recent actions signal backing for Canadian sovereignty. He has worn Canadian medals, referred to himself explicitly as the King of Canada, and praised the nation’s flag as “a symbol that never fails to elicit a sense of pride and admiration.”
These gestures, alongside the rare act of personally opening parliament, underscore the monarchy’s role in reinforcing Canada’s independent identity amid growing US economic pressures, including tariffs on Canadian goods imposed by Trump.
Navigating diplomatic complexities
Charles’s visit occurs amid delicate diplomatic balancing. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while committed to supporting Canada’s sovereignty, is simultaneously keen to maintain positive ties with Trump over trade and geopolitical issues such as the Ukraine conflict.
Earlier this year, Starmer invited Trump for a potential second state visit to Britain—an unprecedented gesture that irked many Canadians wary of Trump’s annexation rhetoric. Carney acknowledged that this caused discomfort in Canada, complicating relations.
Ceremonial power and national unity
The highlight is King Charles’s delivery of the Speech from the Throne in the Canadian Senate—the third sovereign ever to do so—traveling in a horse-drawn carriage escorted by 28 horses.
“This is a momentous occasion,” said Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault, “one that brings Canadians together in celebration of our rich history, our democracy, and the institutions that serve us all.”
Royal commentator Edward Wang noted, “At a time when the sovereignty of our country is being challenged, having our head of state open the first session of a new Parliament sends a signal. The entire world will be watching.”
(With Reuters inputs)
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