King Charles III is poised to make a significant visit to Ottawa, marking a historic occasion as he prepares to open Canada's parliament.
This brief trip is perceived as a strategic move in response to President Donald Trump's previous remarks about annexing Canada. The 76-year-old monarch, who serves as Canada's head of state within the Commonwealth, was invited by Prime Minister Mark Carney to deliver the throne speech, a pivotal address that outlines the government's priorities.
As reported by Breitbart, the throne speech is customarily delivered by the governor general, the British monarch's representative in Canada. Queen Elizabeth II, Charles's late mother, delivered this speech in Canada only twice during her reign, in 1957 and 1977.
This visit marks Charles's first trip to Canada since his coronation, and while he has remained silent on Trump's musings about making Canada the 51st U.S. state, his comments on Canada's sovereignty and trade will be closely scrutinized.
President Trump has imposed tariffs on Canadian goods, including specific levies on autos, steel, and aluminum, which have unsettled the Canadian economy, although some tariffs have been suspended pending negotiations.
Accompanying Charles on this 24-hour visit to Ottawa is Queen Camilla. Prime Minister Carney has asserted that his newly-elected government has been entrusted with a mandate "to define a new economic and security relationship with the United States," a neighbor he believes Canada "can no longer trust."
Carney has vowed to reduce reliance on trade with the United States by enhancing internal commerce and establishing stronger economic ties with overseas allies. The government's strategy to "build Canada strong" will be articulated in Charles's speech, Carney stated last week.
A government statement characterized the visit as "a momentous and historic occasion that underscores Canadas identity and sovereignty as a constitutional monarchy." President Trump, during Carney's recent visit to the Oval Office, reiterated his annexation musings, describing it as a "wonderful marriage." Carney, however, firmly responded that Canada was "never for sale."
U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, dismissed the notion that inviting Charles to open parliament was an effective means of addressing annexation concerns. "If theres a message in there, there are easier ways to send messages. Just give me a call. Carney can call the president at any time," Hoekstra told CBC last week. He further remarked that he considers the annexation issue to be "over," adding, "Move on. If the Canadians want to keep talking about it thats their business."
Upon their arrival in Ottawa on Monday afternoon, Charles and Camilla will be greeted by Governor General Mary Simon, Prime Minister Carney, Indigenous leaders, and other dignitaries before engaging with community organizations in Ottawa.
Charles is also scheduled to hold an audience with Carney. On Tuesday, the monarch will receive full military honors at the Senate before delivering the throne speech.
Canadian royal commentator Edward Wang expressed his anticipation for the visit, stating, "At a time when the sovereignty of our country is being challenged, having our head of state open the first session of a new Parliament sends a signal." He added, "The entire world will be watching." Wang is traveling from Vancouver to Ottawa to witness this significant event.
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