Ottawa, Ontario (AP) – UK Charles III was welcomed by Canadian leaders on Monday, marking a visit that underscores their country’s sovereignty amid discussions regarding President Donald Trump’s proposals for annexation.
Trump has consistently suggested the idea of US annexing Canada. In light of this, Prime Minister Mark Carney encouraged Charles to invite him to deliver a speech from the throne, discussing the agenda for his government’s newly convened Parliament.
The king serves as the Canadian Head of State and is a member of the British Commonwealth, a former colony.
“This historical honor coincides with the weight of our time. It underscores our enduring traditions, our friendship, our constitutional monarchy, and our unique identity,” Carney stated.
“Canadian strength lies in our ability to build a vibrant future while respecting our English, French, and Indigenous roots—the very fabric of our society.”
Carney, the new prime minister, along with General Mary Simon, Canada’s first Indigenous leader, greeted the King and Queen Camilla at the airport, accompanied by 25 honorary guards from the Royal Canadian Dragoons, of which the King is colonel.
The King was dressed in a taupe suit with a red tie and later participated in a community event where he dropped the ceremonial first puck during a street hockey match.
Norman MacDonald in the audience remarked that the King came to Ottawa to convey a clear message to Canadians: “Canada is not for sale and will not be intimidated.”
Canadians Assert Their Distinct Identity from the US
It is rare for a monarch to deliver what is termed a speech from the throne in Canada. Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did so twice in her 70-year reign, last occurring in 1977.
While many Canadians are indifferent to the monarchy, Carney emphasized the visit as a testament to Canada’s sovereignty. He stated that the King’s presence distinctly adds emphasis to this fact.
Following its independence from Britain, Canada remained a colony until 1867, adopting a constitutional monarchy under a British-style parliamentary system.
“We are different,” expressed former Quebec Prime Minister Jean Charest. “To fully appreciate why King Charles delivers speeches from the throne, we must acknowledge the richness of the Canadian narrative.”
But the new US ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, asserted that Canadians should move beyond the 51st state rhetoric, suggesting that if anyone has messages to convey, they can easily reach out to him or the president.
Royal historian Carolyn Harris expressed hope that Trump will recognize the significance of this visit, particularly given his past admiration for the royal family. She noted, “It’s a unique history tracing back to the Loyalists who settled here after the American Revolution. I expect to see the King represented in a Canadian context, surrounded by Canadian symbolism.”
Royal Invitation to Trump Sparks Controversy in Canada
The speech delivered on Tuesday was not authored by the King or his advisors but instead provided by the Canadian government. “Charles can only act on the consent and advice of his prime minister. However, he needs to be cautious not to undermine relationships with the other 14 federal realms.”
Canadians expressed their dissatisfaction when British Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended an invitation to Trump on the King’s behalf, especially given Trump’s stance that threatened Canadian sovereignty.
“Given the current occasion, the gesture didn’t sit well with them,” Carney conveyed to UK Sky News. “We were very clear about the sovereignty issues.”
Recently, the King has shown solidarity with Canada by displaying Canadian military medals during a visit to a British aircraft carrier. Following a speech on Tuesday, he will head back to the UK and will visit the Canadian National War Memorial.
Source: apnews.com