Canada’s monarch will make history by opening the session of Parliament for the first time since 1977. King Charles III, who is also the head of state, will deliver the Speech from the Throne, a tradition that underscores Canada’s sovereignty in the face of US President Donald Trump’s claims to annex the country.
The king’s visit has been seen as a subtle message of resistance to Trump’s efforts to erase the border between Canada and the US. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney invited Charles, who is widely viewed as sending a strong signal that Canada will not be “for sale” to any foreign power.
The throne speech, written by the government, will detail Carney’s priorities after his victory in the recent federal election. However, analysts say the king’s opening of Parliament is particularly significant, demonstrating that Canada has its own history, traditions, and system of government.
Unlike the US, which has a presidential system, Canada has a constitutional monarchy, where the monarch serves as head of state but does not make grand pronouncements on international issues without the explicit request or advice of their prime ministers. The king’s visit is seen as an opportunity for him to offer broad support for his government through symbolism and pageantry.
Critics argue that Charles’s response to Trump’s threats has drawn scrutiny, with some questioning whether he should have taken a stronger stance. However, experts say the monarch’s role is to balance competing interests and maintain diplomatic relations with both the US and Canada.
The king’s visit marks a significant moment in Canadian history, as it underscores the country’s commitment to sovereignty and independence. The royal family’s symbolic gestures, such as issuing a rare message marking Canada’s flag day and wearing Canadian military honors on his uniform, have been seen as subtle signals of support for Canada from Buckingham Palace.
As Charles prepares to deliver the Speech from the Throne, Canadians are watching with interest, eager to see how the king will reinforce the power and strength of the country’s sovereignty.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/25/canada-king-charles-parliament-trump