King Charles' Canada visit: Throne speech showcases Canada's 'incredible opportunity' in face of U.S. tensions

Yahoo

2 days ago

King Charles delivered a speech from the throne as he opened the 45th Parliament on Tuesday, May 27. It marked a historic moment, acting as the highlight to the monarch's two-day Canada visit, before he returned to the U.K. with Queen Camilla.
In his throne speech, the King warned that the "world is a more dangerous and uncertain place than at any point since the Second World War," as "Canada is facing challenges that are unprecedented in our lifetimes." He called it a "critical moment" in our history, but also an "incredible opportunity."
King Charles praised Canadian values, outlined the Liberals' agenda, while also reaffirming that Canada is well equipped to tackle the fundamental changes in its economic and security relationship with the United States. In his roughly 30-minute speech, he did not U.S. President name Donald Trump, but said the relationship the "president" has with Prime Minister Mark Carney is "rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations.'
King Charles and Queen Camilla's historic visit comes as many Canadians continue to have Trump's annexation threats top of mind.
"The True North is indeed strong and free," said King Charles to a round of applause in the Senate of Canada, as he thanked everyone for the warm welcome he's received.
Below in our Yahoo Canada blog, you'll find updates from King Charles' 24-hour visit, including analysis, reaction, and photos as he completed a whirlwind itinerary around Ottawa.
And that's a wrap. King Charles and Queen Camilla's short trip to Canada ended on Tuesday afternoon after the royal duo laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The visit, which started less than 24 hours before it ended, was significant — historic even — as this was only the third time in Canada's history the monarch delivered the speech to the throne to launch the newest session of Parliament. King Charles, who delivered remarks in French and English, is only the second sovereign to do it after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did it in 1957 and 1977.
The King's speech eluded to "unprecedented" challenges Canada faces at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump continues to share messaging around annexing the country as the 51st state.
Earlier on Tuesday, King Charles and Queen Camilla made their way from Rideau Hall to the Senate Building in a short parade along Wellington St. in Ottawa.
On Monday, King Charles and Queen Camilla landed in Ottawa around 1:15 p.m. and made their way to community events at a farmers market in Landsdowne Park followed by a tree planting ceremony at Rideau Hall later that afternoon.
King Charles then held private audiences with Governor General Mary Simon, Prime Minister Mark Carney and various Indigenous leaders.King Charles' historic throne speech in Ottawa went beyond being ceremonial as it delivered a "veiled hit at Trump," according to Errol Mendes, a constitutional monarchy expert.
Mendes believes the first half of Charles' speech aimed at the state of democracy in the U.S., while putting in contrast Canada's principles with what he refers to as "anti-democratic" trends south of the border.
In his analysis for Yahoo News Canada, Mendes pointed to the King's strong emphasis on Canada's stance on diversity and inclusion in contrast to the United States' recent deportation policies.
Charles' speech also stressed on trade diversification, echoing Prime Minister Mark Carney's willingness to limit his country's economic dependence on the U.S. Mendes interpreted that as a clear signal that Canada "will seek other trade partners to counter the hits from the US."
In the second part of his speech, the King reiterated Canada's stance on domestic priorities like housing, defence and climate change — which were previously outlined by Carney during his election campaign — but drew comparisons with U.S. policy, specifically around environmental leadership and multilateral cooperation, Mendes noted.
"The only indirect warming to Trump was the acknowledgement of the hope for an economic and security agreement with him."
King Charles and Queen Camilla's relationship at its core is a love story about duty, timing and patience. The pair, who have been married since 2005, have weathered scandals and headlines while remaining fiercely devoted to one another.
After taking the throne in 2023, the pair were dealt another blow: the King's cancer diagnosis. Although the monarch is reportedly continuing treatment to manage his undisclosed illness, the King and Queen have continued to fulfill their royal engagements and support their charities — and one another — in the process.
King Charles (then known as Prince Charles) reportedly met a young Camilla Shand at a polo match at Windsor Great Park in 1971. Despite an immediate spark, the pair's relationship ended when Charles opted to go into the Royal Navy and Camilla went on to marry Andrew Parker Bowles in 1973.
Although Charles went on to marry Princess Diana, the pair remained close. In 1986, Charles and Camilla reportedly began their affair, which became tabloid fodder and fuelled Charles and Diana's marital issues. In 1992, Charles and Diana announced their separation. By the time the divorced was finalized in 1996, Camilla was also single.
Charles and Camilla went public with their relationship in 1998, less than a year after Diana was killed in a car accident. The pair moved in together in 2003 and were married two years later.
Keep reading to see more moments from King Charles and Queen Camilla's relationship.
Justin Trudeau's casual choice of footwear is raising eyebrows online. On Tuesday, the former Canadian prime minister returned to the Senate of Canada to attend King Charles' speech from the throne. The 53-year-old, who was succeeded by Prime Minister Mark Carney in March, was seated next to his mother, Margaret Trudeau, and his predecessor, Stephen Harper. The former leader of the Liberal Party seemed to be in good spirits, happily engaging in conversation with those in attendance.
However, a quick pan to the former prime minister's feet was a clear message from Trudeau that his days as a public servant are over. He paired his blue suit and tie with a pair of green and orange Adidas Gazelle sneakers.
Although all eyes were on the King, Trudeau's sneakers didn't go unnoticed and quickly drew reactions on X (formerly known as Twitter), with some criticizing his bold choice.
"The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, puerile Privy Councillor and former Prime Minister, can't even bother to wear dress shoes as he attends Canada's monarch's first Speech from the Throne since his dad was PM," one person wrote.
"What the hell kind of shoes does Justin Trudeau have on?" asked The Globe and Mail columnist Andrew Coyne.King Charles' throne speech was successful in leaving a mark on Canadians watching the event unfold Tuesday as many took to social media to express their views on the contents of the speech.
The monarch's take on "Canada's unique identity" and his concluding note on the country's sovereignty — in which he referenced the national anthem — "the True North is indeed strong and free' — seems to have won high-praise online.
Meanwhile, some users on X, formerly known as Twitter, narrowed down who the King's message may be directed to.
It was expected that the throne speech would be used to send the world, especially the United States, a reminder on Canadian sovereignty in the light of recent attacks by Donald Trump with his "51st state" rhetoric.
A different part of the King's speech — in which he focused on domestic affairs — however, seemed to remind online users, including Global News Ottawa Bureau chief Mercedes Stephenson, of the Liberal party's manifesto last election.
"I don't think the reaction is fair. The King had to read what he was given," Errol Mendes, an expert on Canada's relationship with the Crown as a constitutional monarchy told Yahoo News Canada in response to the criticism surfacing online.
King Charles' throne speech is for the most part written by the Canadian government, CBC News noted.
King Charles delivered a profound speech from the throne, grabbing the attention of Canadians on matters of national identity and the Liberals' plan forward. For the monarch's full speech, you can read here, while below you'll find the quotes that truly stood out.
On the Canadian identity and the Crown:
"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.
"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. As it should, it stands proudly as a symbol of Canada today, in all her richness and dynamism."
On understanding that the world is in a dangerous place:
"Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the Government is determined to protect.
"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 are also changing. We must be clear-eyed: the world is a more dangerous and uncertain place than at any point since the Second World War. Canada is facing challenges that are unprecedented in our lifetimes."
On approaching change, especially with Canada's relationship with the U.S.:
"Fundamental change is always unsettling. Yet this moment is also an incredible opportunity. An opportunity for renewal. An opportunity to think big and to act bigger. An opportunity for Canada to embark on the largest transformation of its economy since the Second World War. A confident Canada, which has welcomed new Canadians, including from some of the most tragic global conflict zones, can seize this opportunity by recognizing that all Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away. And that by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians.
"The Prime Minister and the President of the United States, for example, have begun defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the U.S., rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests, to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations."
On the challenges Canadians are facing:
"The Government is guided by its conviction that the economy is only truly strong when it serves everyone. Many Canadians are struggling to get ahead," later adding:
"In all of its actions, the Government will be guided by a new fiscal discipline: spend less so Canadians can invest more."
On the great pride of Canada:
"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.
"I wish to express to you and to the people of Canada my heartfelt gratitude, and that of my wife, for the warmth of the welcome which we have received.
"As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free."
As King Charles and Queen Camilla leave Canada after an action-packed two-day itinerary, they took a moment to show their gratitude to Ottawa Police.
Before embarking on their return flight at the airport, they thanked the officers who escorted them and keep them safe throughout their visit.
King Charles's trip to Canada may have been short, but body language experts say he seemed "genuinely happy" to be visiting.
"It was clear from the crowds and the reaction of the public that everyone was elated over Charles and Camilla arriving. Charles also seemed really pleased to be visiting. His posture was upright, straight, and he wasn't slouching, showing that he was completely engaged in taking it all in," said expert Darren Stanton.
He continued, "In terms of his facial expressions, Charles seemed genuinely happy to be there—there weren't any signs of a fake or masking smile. The emotions, from a microexpression point of view, were very genuine. He certainly looked powerful while taking on the event. He's got that strong determination that his mother had."
The expert noted a key gesture that spoke volumes about the king's relationship with Prime Minister Mark Carney when they greeted each other.
"Looking at the pictures of Charles and Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney, the feelings were very much reciprocated by him," Stanton said. "There is clearly a real, deep mutual respect between these two men..."
Keep reading to learn more
After delivering the speech from the throne at the Senate, King Charles — accompanied by Queen Camilla — visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa.
Located in the plaza of the National War Memorial in Confederation Square, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a public monument honouring the "118,000 Canadians who sacrificed their lives in the cause of peace and freedom," according to the Veterans Affairs Canada's website.
This is the final stop on the short royal visit. King Charles and Queen Camilla got into their car and the motorcade will lead them to the airport where they will depart for the United Kingdom.
King Charles and Camilla arrived in Canada barely 24 hours ago, at 1:15 p.m. on Monday, for a short but significant visit. The king delivered the throne speech to open the 45th session of Parliament. In the last day, the royal couple attended a farmers market, held private audiences with Governor General Mary Simon and Prime Minister Mark Carney, and ended the tour at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the early afternoon Tuesday.
King Charles addressed key components of the Liberals' economic plans, by first acknowledging that 'many Canadians are struggling to get ahead.'
This new government will be guided by a new fiscal discipline: "spend less, so that Canadians can spend more."
That starts with cutting the government's operating budget, with measures to bring it below a 2 per cent yearly growth rate. To do that, it will cut waste, by "capping the public service, ending duplication, and deploying technology to improve public sector productivity."
As part of their plans, the government will reduce middle class taxes and save two-income families up to $840 a year. It will cut the GST on homes for those at or under $1 million for first-time home buyers, by delivering savings of up to $50,000. The plans also include lowering the GST on homes between $1-1.5 million.
The King also outlined the Liberals' plans to maintain programs that will save families thousands of dollars a year, such as through dental care.
An overarching goal is to build the strongest economy in the G7, which starts with 'with creating one Canadian economy out of 13. Internal barriers to trade and labor mobility cost Canada as much as $200 billion each year. The government will introduce legislation to remove all remaining federal barriers to internal trade and labor mobility by Canada Day.'
The Liberal government is now working with provinces, territories and Indigenous peoples to identify what projects are of national significance; ones that will not only connect Canada but also create 'high paying jobs for generations.' This will come in the form a new major federal project office, which is reduce theamount of time needed to approve projects.
Among the Liberals' goals is to double the rate of home building behind Canadian technology, skilled workers and lumber, with an emphasis on creating 'build Canada homes.'
Queen Camilla arrived to the speech from the Throne wearing a navy blue dress that she paired with her three-strand pearl choker with Edwardian style diamond clasp. The look was understated and elegant, but featured a tribute to Canada and it's Armed Forces.
The Queen wore a diamond brooch of a maple leaf and the number "2" at its centre. At first glance, it may seem similar to the maple leaf brooch she wore when she arrived in Canada. However, the brooch is actually the symbol for the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada (QOR of C), the country's oldest continuously serving primary infantry regiment founded in 1860 and based in Toronto. The "2" represents the original battalion designation of the unit as well as rubies and emeralds.
The Queen has worn the brooch several times during her visits to Canada as well as international meetings with Canadian armed forces.
The QOR of C is a respected regiment with rich military history. During WWII, sseven members of the QOR of C were awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military distinction award in both the U.K. and Canada, in one day.
King Charles recognized that 'Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them.' While he didn't name Donald Trump, he cited that change is coming in regards to our relationship with the U.S. as we work toward a new future with the president.
'Fundamental change is always unsettling, yet this moment is also an incredible opportunity, an opportunity for renewal, an opportunity to think big and to act bigger, an opportunity for Canada to embark on the largest transformation of its economy since the Second World War," said King Charles.
"A confident Canada, which has welcomed new Canadians, including from some of the most tragic global conflict zones, can seize this opportunity by recognizing that all Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away and that by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians.
'The Prime Minister and the President of the United States, for example, have begun defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the United States, rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations.'
Earlier in his throne speech, King Charles said that while open global trade has helped deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, it is changing. As a result, "Canada's relationships with partners are also changing."
The King says that Canada is ready to build a "coalition of nations" that will share the same values, as it works with trusted allies toward international cooperation and free trade of goods, services and ideas.
King Charles attire for his Speech from the Throne symbolized a change in the relationship between Canada and the Crown.
Although the King and Queen were greeted with a familiar 21-gun salute and parade, the monarch's speech and appearance greatly differs from his predecessor and mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The King's slate blue pinstripe suit and blue windowpane tie are a departure from his mother's formality. The decision to opt against something elaborate can be read as a symbol of a shift between the Crown and Canada, one that's based on equality, service and shared values. The only sign of his title of monarch was the Sovereign Order of Canada around his neck and his military medals.
Queen Elizabeth II delivered two addresses to Canadian Parliament wearing formal regalia in both 1957 and 1977.
For her first Speech from the Throne, the late Queen wore the same dress she wore on her Coronation day in 1953. She also wore the Russian Fringe tiara, an elaborate piece of jewelry that she originally wore on her wedding day to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in 1947, and the same diamond coronation earrings and drop diamond pendant necklace.
In 1977, the Queen opted for another formal look, including her Canadian insignia and Order of Military Merit, and diamond and the Baring Ruby Necklace and Ruby Cluster Earrings which she inherited form her Grandmother, Queen Mary.
King Charles opened his throne speech praising Canadians for their national pride, one that he feels close to, while thanking Indigenous peoples for their hospitality during his visit as he looks toward a path of Truth and Reconciliation.
'It is with a deep sense of pride and pleasure that my wife and I join you here today as we witness Canadians coming together in a renewed sense of national pride, unity and hope,' said King Charles to Parliament, while acknowledging that they've gathered on the unseeded territory of the Algonquin and Anishinaabe peoples.
'This land acknowledgement is a recognition of shared history as a nation, while continuing to deepen my own understanding. It is my great hope that in each of your communities and collectively as a country, a path is found toward Truth and Reconciliation in both word and deed.'
'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 to Canada, a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream, and from there straight to my heart.
"I've always had the greatest admiration for Canada's unique identity, which is recognized across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defence of national values and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians. To the First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples, you have welcomed my family and myself to your traditional lands with great warmth and hospitality, for which I am humbly grateful."
Members of Parliament have been summoned by the the Usher of the Black Rod to appear in the chambers of the Senate of Canada, where King Charles awaits to deliver a throne speech.
As the official Usher, Peters is the King's official messenger tasked with maintaining order in Parliament. He also serves as the King's personal attendant during his visit. The black rod is used to knock on doors of the House of Commons to summon MPs to the Senate on behalf of the King.
King Charles does in fact speak French, and he's quite fluent.
In 2023, he made history by becoming the first British monarch to make a speech from France's senate chamber. The King spent long stretches speaking in French, as his speech generated a standing ovation and praise for his accent and fluency.
His speech was highlighted a strongly-worded call for unity and victory for Ukraine in its war against Russia following its "horrifying" invasion.
King Charles is set to address Canadian Parliament with a throne speech on Tuesday morning, one that he will deliver in both English and French.
Prime Minister Mark Carney's vision for nation-building and economic growth is expected to form the main thrust of the throne speech when King Charles reads it today in the Canadian Senate.
In a speech to his caucus Sunday, Carney laid out his governing agenda for the re-opening of Parliament.
Carney said his government's immediate focus will be on affordability measures, such as quickly passing the tax cut he promised during the campaign.
He said the Liberal government had been elected to do nothing less than define "a new economic and security relationship with the United States."
Carney said his ministers will immediately introduce legislation to fast-track infrastructure projects deemed to be in the national interest and bring in a bill to eliminate all federal barriers to free trade in Canada.
Carney said his minority government team will be "very, very busy" in not just the coming weeks, but also over the next few years, and accomplish things "previously thought impossible at speeds not seen in generations."
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived at the Senate of Canada with mother, Margaret Trudeau.
What's generated headlines is who he's sitting beside: former PM Stephen Harper, as the two exchanged laughs before taking a front row seat ahead of King Charles' throne speech.
King Charles and Queen Camilla travelled through downtown Ottawa in the state landau, a horse-drawn carriage as they started Day 2 of their Canada visit. They were escorted by members of the RCMP musical ride from the Bank of Canada to the Senate.
The monarch was seen wearing his Officer of the Order of Canada insignia.
The royal couple was then greeted by an honour guard, as King Charles inspected the guard and band before a 21-gun salute was offered.
People lined Wellington Street early in the morning to get a glimpse of the King and Queen, as the parade makes way to the throne speech later this morning. Chants of "God save the King" were loud and apparent as he greeted the crowd, before the playing of O Canada.
Inside the foyer of the Senate, King Charles was met with an Indigenous drumming performance.
Earlier this year, King Charles presented a new ceremonial sword to the Usher of the Black Rod of the Senate of Canada, J. Greg Peters. The sword featured the King's official cypher, 'CRIII' (Charles Rex III) along with a Tudor Crown and the date of his succession, Sept. 8, 2022, at the base of the blade.
The new sword gifted by the King will replace the one that featured his mother Queen Elizabeth II's cypher.
Peters helped design the sword which will serve as "a reminder that opposition and government seats are separated by two sword lengths, in both the U.K. and Canada."
As the official Usher, Peters is the King's official messenger tasked with maintaining order in Parliament. He also serves as the King's personal attendant during his visit.
The black rod is used to knock on doors of the House of Commons to summon MPs to the Senate on behalf of the King.