The invitation to King Charles III from Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada to deliver the formal speech that opened Canada’s Parliament on Tuesday was intended as a response to President Trump's threats to the country’s sovereignty.
Although Mr. Trump’s name was not mentioned during the king’s address, he portrayed a concerning overview of global conditions since the president returned to office and enacted numerous tariffs that have disrupted the global trading system and jeopardized Canada’s economy.
“We must be cleareyed,” Charles stated while seated in an ornate chair. “The world is a more dangerous and uncertain place than at any point since the Second World War. Canada is facing challenges that are unprecedented in our lifetimes.”
He added, “The system of open global trade that, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades is changing. Canada’s relationships with partners are also changing.”
As Canada’s head of state, King Charles delivered the speech, which was drafted by Mr. Carney’s office. This event marked only the third occasion that a monarch has opened Canada’s Parliament, following Queen Elizabeth II's two instances.
The address acknowledged Canada’s intention to negotiate a trade and security agreement with the United States while also highlighting Mr. Carney’s commitment to finding alternatives to the economic dependence on the U.S. The economies of both nations are significantly intertwined, with each serving as the largest trading partner for the other.
“By staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians,” said the king, who was on his first visit to Canada since ascending to the throne.
He further remarked, “Canada is ready to build a coalition of like-minded countries that share its values, that believe in international cooperation and the free and open exchange of goods, services, and ideas.”
The visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla was brief, lasting just over 24 hours, yet the government ensured a grand display of ceremony.
Military bagpipers and drummers performed as they marched outside the temporary Senate venue, a former train station, where Charles spoke. The royal couple traveled in a ceremonial horse-drawn coach, escorted by 28 horses from a Royal Canadian Mounted Police squad.
At the Senate, they were welcomed by a 100-member military honor guard in red dress uniforms and white pith helmets, followed by a 21-gun salute. Later, fighter jets from the Royal Canadian Air Force flew overhead.
The atmosphere inside the Senate chamber was festive, particularly among guests, including Justin Trudeau, who recently resigned as prime minister, attending with his mother, Margaret Trudeau. This marked Mr. Trudeau’s first public appearance since leaving office.
King Charles navigates a complex relationship with Mr. Trump, advocating for Canada’s sovereignty as its monarch while also being utilized to engage the American president.
In February, Britain’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, delivered an embossed letter from Charles inviting Mr. Trump for a rare second state visit to Britain.
Previous visits by Charles to Canada, during his time as Prince of Wales, garnered limited interest, especially after his divorce from Princess Diana. However, a sizable crowd gathered on Tuesday near the Senate and the National War Memorial, where the royal couple laid a wreath before departing for the airport.
Among the younger attendees were four individuals who had taken a break from work at a nearby office. “In light of the U.S. administration and what’s going on, it feels good to support being Canadian and what that means,” stated Laura Downey, 30.
As customary for speeches inaugurating Canada’s Parliament, the king’s address emphasized the legislative agenda for Mr. Carney’s new government, which includes increasing military spending, housing development, and cutting government expenditures.
In his closing remarks, Charles subtly referenced Canada’s ongoing challenges with the Trump administration while discussing the country’s national anthem, stating, “As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free!”