King Charles takes veiled swipe at Donald Trump over Canada's ‘self determination'
Britain's King Charles III threw his weight behind Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday, in a pointed show of unity as President Donald Trump continues to push for Canada to become America's 51st state.
'Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them. Fundamental change is always unsettling,' the King said, addressing Parliament in both English and French.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: King Charles takes veiled swipe at Donald Trump.
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Calling it a 'critical moment,' Charles emphasized Canada's core democratic values and signaled the Carney government's resolve to defend them.
'Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination and freedom are values that Canadians hold dear and one which the government is determined to protect,' he said. 'The system of open global trade, that while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades is changing. Canada's relationships with partners is also changing.'
Charles said Carney and Trump 'have begun defining a new economic and security relationship,' one 'rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations.'
While Charles serves as Canada's nonpartisan monarch and is currently undergoing cancer treatment, he did not author the speech — it was written by the Carney government as part of the formal Speech from the Throne.
The monarch's comments come after President Trump made repeated calls to make Canada the 51st US state.
Credit: Supplied
/ AAP
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was among those in attendance, dressed in a suit paired with green and orange sneakers.
'Every time I come to Canada, a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream and from there straight to my heart,' Charles said. 'I've always had the greatest admiration for Canada's unique identity, which is recognised across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defense of national values and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians.'
He ended his address with a patriotic nod: 'As the anthem reminds us: The true north is indeed strong and free,' prompting applause from lawmakers.
Before the speech, Charles and Queen Camilla arrived by horse-drawn carriage at the Senate of Canada Building, where he was greeted by a 100-person guard of honor from the 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment.
On Monday, the King met with Carney and Governor General Mary Simon, Canada's first Indigenous head of state representative.
Though the monarchy holds limited sway over Canadian public opinion, Charles has stepped up symbolic gestures in recent months, from planting a maple tree to wearing Canadian medals and calling himself the 'King of Canada.'
Carney, who took office in April after winning his party's leadership in March, said Charles' visit 'speaks to the vitality of our constitutional monarchy and our distinct identity, and to the historic ties that crises only fortify.'
The tone marked a shift from earlier this month, when Carney criticized the British government for hosting Trump, saying the invitation undermined Canada's efforts to present a united front against talk of U.S. annexation.
Since January, Trump has repeatedly suggested Canada should become part of the United States — remarks that have sparked outrage among Canadians and diplomatic unease in London.
Charles is set to return to the U.K. later Tuesday after visiting Canada's National War Memorial.
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