King Charles III defended Canada’s sovereignty amid President Donald Trump’s threats to annex the country and make it the US’s 51st state.
Charles did not mention Trump by his name, but sent a clear message on his stance on the matter while delivering the Speech from the Throne on Tuesday in Ottawa.
‘Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away,’ said Charles, reading from prepared remarks.
‘And that by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians.’
The king said Canada is facing ‘unprecedented’ challenges – again without naming the US president.
‘We must face reality: Since the Second World War, our world has never been more dangerous and unstable. Canada is facing challenges that, in our lifetimes, are unprecedented,’ he said in French.
‘Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them.’
Charles affirmed Canada’s sovereignty by saying that the ‘True North is indeed strong and free’.
He advocated for the neighboring countries to move forward as allies.
‘The prime minister and the president of the United States, for example, have begun defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the US, rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests, to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations,’ the king said.
Charles marked a rare moment giving the Speech from the Throne, which opens Canada’s new session of Parliament. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did so twice, with the first time happening nearly seven decades ago.
Trump’s repeated statements voicing his desire to annex Canada are reportedly what prompted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to invite Charles to speak.
Carney said that the king’s action ‘underscores the sovereignty of Canada’.
‘The Royal Visit is a reminder of the bond between Canada and the Crown – one forged over generations, shaped by shared histories, and grounded in common values,’ stated Carney.
He added that the speech would ‘define a new economic and security relationship with the United States, to build the strongest economy in the G7, to bring down the cost of living, and to keep communities safe’.
Some social media users ridiculed Carney, who sat in a smaller chair below Charles. Queen Camilla sat next to Charles on a chair that was nearly identical to his.
