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Key Points
- King Charles made a symbolic visit to Canada, his first since becoming monarch, to show support amid US tensions.
- Charles became the first British monarch in almost 70 years to preside over the opening of the Canadian Parliament.
- The visit comes amid mounting tensions between Canada and the United States.
King Charles has made a symbolic trip to Canada to express his love for the country, which he described as “strong and free”, despite annexation threats from United States President Donald Trump.
Charles, Canada’s head of state, is the first British monarch in almost 70 years to preside over the opening of the Canadian parliament.
In a speech in the Senate on Tuesday, Charles applauded Canada’s character and referenced its independence but did not mention Trump, who has imposed tariffs on Canadian exports and muses about turning Canada into the 51st US state.
“The True North is indeed strong and free,” Charles said, referring to Canada’s national anthem.
The speech outlining the government’s plans was largely written by officials working for Prime Minister Mark Carney. But Charles was responsible for the comments about Canada.
“Every time I come to Canada … a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream – and from there straight to my heart,” said the monarch, accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla.
“Canada has continued to set an example to the world in her conduct and values, as a force for good.”
The 76-year-old king, who is undergoing cancer treatment, later left Canada after a visit that barely lasted 24 hours.
Charles, who joked and laughed with Carney before the speech, wore the Order of Canada around his neck. Canada is one of 15 countries where he is monarch.
He and Camilla were driven to the Senate in a horse-drawn carriage, escorted by 28 riders from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and cheered on by flag-waving onlookers.
An Ipsos Reid poll released on Tuesday for Global News found that 66 per cent of respondents believed Canada’s relationship with the monarchy was useful because it helped set the nation apart from the United States, up from 54 per cent in April 2023.
“With the tariffs and … the trade war, if the British monarchy plays a more active role in Canadian politics and standing up for Canada, then I welcome the British monarchy,” Toronto realtor Abdel Rafeeq said on Tuesday.
In the speech, the government reiterated its belief that Canada needs to agree on a new relationship with the US and look for more reliable trading partners.
Carney, when asked later whether the King had reinforced Canada’s sovereignty, replied, “Our sovereignty is strong”.
