On Tuesday, King Charles III is set to address Canada’s parliament in a noteworthy speech. He is anticipated to express his backing in the nation’s ongoing dispute with US President Donald Trump.
Upon their arrival in Ottawa, the King and Queen Camilla were greeted with a warm reception. This was the royal couple’s inaugural visit to Canada since ascending the Throne.
Shortly after his arrival, the King, serving as Canada’s head of state, convened a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was recently elected amid a surge of anti-Trump sentiment among the public.
Carney has lauded the “historic ties” that contribute to Canada’s independent identity, highlighting the “vitality of our constitutional monarchy,” which he asserted “crises only fortify.”
Carney extended an invitation to the King to address the opening of parliament, following the King’s recent general election triumph, a campaign heavily influenced by concerns regarding threats to Canada’s sovereignty posed by Trump.
In a historic move, a monarch will deliver the Speech from the Throne for the first time in nearly half a century. The King’s choice to address parliament in Ottawa is perceived as a significant gesture of support for Canada.
The upcoming King’s Speech is set to be crafted with guidance from the Canadian government. It aims to convey a definitive, albeit diplomatic, assertion that the nation is “not for sale” to the United States.
Carney indicated beforehand that the upcoming Speech, set to be delivered in both French and English, would reflect “the weight of our times.”
On Monday afternoon, a meeting took place at Rideau Hall, the official residence of Canada’s governor-general. The King and Carney convened, seated before Canadian flags.
Meetings were held with leaders from Canada’s Indigenous and First Nations communities, featuring Cindy Woodhouse, the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
Amidst the warm Ottawa sunshine, the King participated in a tree-planting ceremony, drawing an enthusiastic crowd that cheered and eagerly reached out to shake his hand.
“Canada is experiencing a sense of threat and fear.” “His presence here is crucial,” stated Theresa McKnight, a resident of Mississauga, Ontario.
Dianne St Louis, her sister from the Toronto area, concurred: “It’s critical.” The presence of the King alongside Canadians carries significant weight.
Upon arrival at Ottawa Airport, visitors were greeted with a warm welcome, marking the beginning of a brief 24-hour stay in Canada.
Carney stood on the runway, poised to greet the royal visitors. The welcoming party featured schoolchildren from both English- and French-speaking institutions alongside representatives from First Nations communities.
A recent community event showcased quintessential Canadian experiences, including the King ceremoniously dropping a puck to kick off a game of street hockey and attendees receiving jars of maple syrup.
The primary emphasis of this trip centers on the historic Speech scheduled for Tuesday, where the King is expected to convey the Canadian government’s stance against the notion of becoming the 51st state of the United States.
The King of the UK is navigating a complex diplomatic landscape as he seeks to maintain positive relations with former President Trump. This includes the notable decision to extend an invitation for a second state visit, highlighting the delicate balance of his role as head of state.
In Canada, the King is expected to articulate the nation’s interests and sentiments. At Rideau Hall, a bystander remarked, “Sovereignty is important, and he embodies that concept.”
