King Charles III arrived in Ottawa on Monday for a visit that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized as a significant demonstration of Canada’s sovereignty, especially in light of recent comments from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the potential annexation of Canada by the U.S.
Trump’s remarks about the U.S. possibly annexing its northern neighbor prompted Carney to extend the invitation to the king to deliver the speech from the throne, an address that will set out the government’s agenda for the new Parliament.
“This historic honor matches the weight of our times. It speaks to our enduring tradition and friendship, to the vitality of our constitutional monarchy and our distinct identity, and to the historic ties that crises only fortify,” Carney stated.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Carney highlighted Canada’s strength as one founded on a commitment to a future that honors its diverse roots in English, French, and Indigenous cultures.
Upon landing, King Charles and Queen Camilla were welcomed by Prime Minister Carney, Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General Mary Simon, and a 25-member honor guard representing the Royal Canadian Dragoons, for which the king serves as colonel-in-chief.
Simon emphasized that the royal visit reinforces the constitutional bonds that have guided Canada’s development into an autonomous nation.
“Their visit invites us to reflect on who we are and to celebrate our distinct national identity,” Simon said in her statement.
The king’s trip follows a meeting between Trump and Carney earlier this month, where Carney firmly told Trump, “Canada is not for sale and won’t be for sale ever.” This meeting occurred shortly after Trump referred to the border between the U.S. and Canada as “artificial” and hinted at the notion of Canada merging with the U.S.
While suggesting that considerable benefits could arise from such a union, Trump noted the discussion would only occur if others were interested in it. In response to the president’s remarks, Carney stressed that, much like Buckingham Palace, Canada is not on the market.
“We’re sitting in one right now, Buckingham Palace that you visited, as well. And having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign the last several months, it’s not for sale, it won’t be for sale, ever. But the opportunity is in the partnership and what we can build together,” Carney articulated regarding Canada’s position.
King Charles’ delivery of the speech from the throne is a rare event; his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, had performed this task only twice during her 70-year reign, with the last occurrence in 1977.
While many Canadians display indifference toward the monarchy, Carney has actively sought to emphasize the distinctions between Canada and the United States. He views the king’s visit as a clear assertion of Canadian sovereignty.
“We are different,” stated former Quebec Premier Jean Charest, reflecting on the significance of the king’s role in reading the speech from the throne.
In contrast, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra argued that stressing such differences isn’t necessary and suggested that Canadians should move on from talk of annexation. He told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation that there are more direct ways to communicate any messages.
Royal historian Carolyn Harris noted that Trump might take note of the visit, given his expressed admiration for the royal family. She highlighted Canada’s unique history, particularly its settlement by loyalists following the American Revolution.
“We’re going to see the king in a Canadian context, escorted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, surrounded by Canadian symbolism. This is very much King Charles III in his role as King of Canada,” Harris observed.
The speech that Charles will deliver—scheduled for Tuesday—will not be authored by him or his U.K. advisors, as he holds a nonpartisan position as head of state. He will convey the message drafted by the Canadian government.
“Charles can only act with the consent and with the advice of his prime minister. But at the same time, he cannot act in a way that would throw any of the other 14 Commonwealth realms under the bus. So it is the finest tightrope to walk,” remarked Justin Vovk, a Canadian royal historian.
Feelings of discontent emerged among Canadians when U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended an invitation to Trump for a state visit on behalf of the king, particularly at a time when Trump’s comments posed a threat to Canadian sovereignty.
Carney expressed disappointment regarding this diplomatic gesture, stating, “They weren’t impressed by that gesture, quite simply, given the circumstance. It was a time when we were quite clear about the issues around sovereignty.”
Recently, the king has shown support for Canada, symbolized by the display of Canadian military medals on his regalia during a visit to a British aircraft carrier.
Beyond the formalities, Charles’ itinerary includes participating in a street hockey game where he will ceremonially drop the puck and attending a community event. Camilla will take part in a swearing-in ceremony to become a Canadian privy councillor, a lifelong appointment that allows her to advise the king on Canadian matters.
Following the speech on Tuesday, King Charles will make his way back to the United Kingdom after visiting Canada’s National War Memorial.
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