May
King Charles III landed in Canada this Monday to formally open a new parliamentary session, following an invitation from Prime Minister Mark Carney. The gesture aims to underscore Canadian sovereignty amid recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that Canada could become the “51st state.”
At the Ottawa airport, the monarch was welcomed by Indigenous leaders, students, officials, and the esteemed Royal Canadian Dragoons regiment. National and international media captured the moment, noting the historical significance of the event.
Queen Camilla and Royal History
The ceremony was steeped in political symbolism. Queen Camilla wore the Diamond Maple Leaf Brooch, originally gifted to the Queen Mother by King George VI in 1939. The gesture nods to the deep monarchical ties between Canada and the United Kingdom, subtly countering Trump’s annexation narrative.
National Priorities and Geopolitical Focus
On Tuesday, the King will deliver the Speech from the Throne in Parliament—a document drafted by Carney’s government outlining key legislative goals. These include a new economic and security framework with the United States, while strengthening alliances with trusted partners such as the United Kingdom.
This marks the first direct speech by a monarch in Canada’s Parliament since 1977—a role usually fulfilled by Governor General Mary Simon, the King’s official representative in the country.
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Political Message
“The symbolism is deliberate,” said Philippe Lagassé, a governance expert at Carleton University. “Trump admires King Charles, and seeing him open our Parliament is no trivial gesture: he is our King, not just another visitor.”
While the monarch maintains constitutional neutrality, Prime Minister Carney emphasized the importance of the visit. “This honor reflects the gravity of our current moment,” he stated. “Canada has a steadfast defender in its sovereign.”
Community Celebration and Private Agenda
Later, the King attended a public celebration in Ottawa featuring street hockey games, an open-air market, and live music. He also planted a commemorative tree and held private meetings with Carney and Governor General Simon.
Tribute to the Fallen
Following the throne speech, King Charles III will lay a wreath at Canada’s National War Memorial in honor of fallen soldiers, before departing for the United Kingdom.
Continuity with a Distinct Identity
“The visit sends a firm message both internationally and to Canadians themselves,” Lagassé concluded. “Our institutional foundations, inherited from Britain, have evolved into something truly Canadian. This ceremony reminds us: we are not an extension of another nation.”
