King Charles sends vital message to Trump in his 'Speech from the Throne' at Canada's opening of parliament, writes REBECCA ENGLISH
Amid pomp and pageantry not seen in Canada for more than half a century, King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived at the country's Parliament yesterday with a powerful – and at times defiant – message for US President Donald Trump.
In a 'Speech from the Throne' (made of wood from a Windsor oak, no less) Charles, 76, spoke of his 'deep pride and pleasure' at witnessing 'Canadians coming together in a renewed sense of national pride, unity and hope'.
He also highlighted the country's 'unique identity' and made clear in the strongest possible terms – within the remits of his role as a constitutional monarch, of course – his personal pride that 'the Crown has for so long been a symbol of unity for Canada'.
To huge applause from MPs, he added: 'As the anthem reminds us, 'The True North is indeed strong and free'.'
Introduced to Parliament as the King of Canada, many MPs looked visibly moved – some even broke into impromptu cries of 'God Save The King' – as he walked into their Senate building.
The King's voice notably cracked with emotion on the last paragraph of his speech, showing just how much this visit has meant to him, particularly given his ongoing health issues.
Charles had been invited by the country's prime minister Mark Carney to formally open the new session of parliament in what is widely being interpreted as sign Canadian sovereignty is not for sale.
While he cannot publicly comment on recent threats by the US President to annexe Canada and make it America's '51st state', his decision to accept the invitation at such short notice was seen as a strong gesture of unity, and the red carpet was rolled out.
Indeed it is only the second time a King or Queen of Canada has ever opened Parliament, the last being his late mother in 1957.
Charles and Camilla were escorted in a horse-drawn landau, escorted by flag-bearing 'Mounties', and met by a 100-strong Guard of Honour at Ottawa's Senate building, along with a 21-gun salute.
The King stood for the British and Canadian national anthems and inspected the soldiers, looking deeply moved at times.
Queen Camilla, 77 – wearing a navy blue crepe silk embroidered dress by Fiona Clare, a matching hat by Philip Treacy and carrying a Chanel bag – looked on proudly.
She also sported her Canadian Rifles brooch as the regiment's colonel in chief, with a pearl and diamond choker.
The King was wearing a lounge suit with medals and his Order of Canada around his neck.
Aides revealed, as an aside, that the Queen's great-great-great grandfather, Sir Allan Napier MacNab, was a leading Canadian politician who led the 'province of Canada' as it was then known.
After taking his place in the chamber, the Queen on a throne by his side, the King finally read his much-anticipated 'Speech from the Throne', written – as it is in Britain – by the Canadian government and outlining their new legislative agenda for the coming Parliament.
However it was clear the King had added a strong personal touch to their words, which went further than many had predicted given the delicate nature of the UK's relationship with President Trump.
Nailing his colours firmly to the mast, the King said: 'This is my 20th visit to Canada, spread over the course of more than half a century, and my first as sovereign. As I have said before, every time I come… a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream and from there straight to my heart.
'I have always had the greatest admiration for Canada's unique identity, which is recognised across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defence of national values, and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians.'
He added: 'It has been nearly 70 years since the sovereign first opened Parliament. In the time since, Canada has dramatically changed – repatriating its constitution, achieving full independence and witnessing immense growth.
'Canada has embraced its British, French and indigenous roots, and become a bold, ambitious, innovative country that is bilingual, truly multicultural and committed to reconciliation.'
Charles was met with a standing ovation from all in parliament as he said: 'It is a source of great pride that, in the following decades, Canada has continued to set an example to the world in her conduct and values, as a force for good.'
He concluded: 'The Crown has for so long been a symbol of unity for Canada. It also represents stability and continuity from the past to the present. When my dear late mother addressed your predecessors seven decades ago, she said that in that age, and against the backdrop of international affairs, no nation could live unto itself.
'It is a source of great pride that, in the following decades, Canada has continued to set an example to the world in her conduct and values, as a force for good.'
Charles was met with a standing ovation from all in parliament yesterday. But former prime minister Justin Trudeau raised eyebrows after wearing green and red Adidas Gazelle trainers to the event.
Afterwards, Charles and the Queen embarked on a brief walkabout before conducting a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial, then flying out of the country just 24 hours after they had arrived.
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