It is believed that the British monarch’s decision to open parliament is a symbolic gesture of support for the Commonwealth country.
Amid threats of annexation from US President Donald Trump, King Charles III makes a big address at the opening of parliament in Ottawa, referring to Canada as a “strong and free” nation. The head of state of Canada, King, emphasized the sovereignty of both countries and pointed out that the North American nation’s ties with its allies, particularly the US, were evolving.
According to the king, Ottawa is at a “critical moment.” “Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the government is determined to protect,” he said.
In reference to Canada’s national anthem, he declared, “The True North is indeed strong and free.”
King Charles’ speech was widely observed for any subtle allusions to Trump’s frequent threats to make Canada the 51st US state, something he had never done publicly. The US president was never specifically referenced in King’s speech, but tensions with America were a recurring subject. Trump, who has placed tariffs on Canadian products, was not mentioned by the king, who instead spoke of “the country that Canadians and I love so much”.
“The open global trade system, which has contributed to Canadian prosperity for decades despite its flaws, is evolving,” Charles stated cautiously.
“We must be clear-eyed: the world is a more dangerous and uncertain place than at any point since the Second World War.”
The 76-year-old monarch is the first British king to preside over the inauguration of the Canadian parliament in nearly 70 years. As head of state, Prime Minister Mark Carney requested the king to inaugurate the new parliamentary session because Canada is a Commonwealth member. Former prime ministers, justices of the Supreme Court, and Indigenous chiefs wearing feather headdresses attended his speech at the Senate, a former train station that has been transformed while parliament is being renovated.
Alongside his wife, Queen Camilla, he said, “Every time I visit Canada, a little more of Canada enters my bloodstream and goes straight to my heart. Canada has continued to set an example to the world in her conduct and values, as a force for good.”
Even though the monarch’s head appears on coins and banknotes and the Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Canadian Navy defend the nation, the monarchy has little influence over Canadian daily life.
The Threats Made by Trump
In light of Trump’s tariff conflicts, which specifically target Canada, the British monarch’s decision to open parliament—a function customarily reserved for the governor general, the monarch’s top envoy in Canada—is interpreted as a symbolic gesture of solidarity for the Commonwealth country.
Not to be outdone, Trump offered shelter from his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system in a post about annexing Canada on his TruthSocial platform on Tuesday, omitting any reference to King Charles.
“I told Canada, which very much wants to be part of our fabulous Golden Dome System, that it will cost $61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation, but will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State,” Trump stated, adding: “They are considering the offer!”
Canada did not immediately respond to Trump’s allegations.
