King Charles III visits Canada in apparent pushback against Trump's annexation threats
King Charles III arrived Monday in Ottawa on a visit that Canada 's leader says will underscore his nation's sovereignty amid US President Donald Trump's talk of the United States annexing its northern neighbor.
Trump's repeated suggestion that the US annex Canada prompted Prime Minister Mark Carney to invite Charles to give the speech from the throne that will outline his government's agenda for the new Parliament.
The king is the head of state in Canada, which is a member of the British Commonwealth of former colonies.
'This historic honour 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 said in a statement.
'Canada's strength lies in building a strong future while embracing its English, French, and Indigenous roots — the union of peoples that forms our bedrock.'
His plane landed and Carney, the new prime minister and a former head of the Bank of England, and Canada's first indigenous governor general, Mary Simon, the king's representative in Canada, gathered to greet the king and Queen Camilla as well a 25-member honor guard from the Royal Canadian Dragoons, for which the king is colonel-in-chief.
Charles and Camilla's presence 'reaffirms the enduring constitutional bond that has shaped Canada's journey into a proud and independent nation', Simon said in a statement.
'Their visit invites us to reflect on who we are and to celebrate our distinct national identity.'
Rare speech
It is rare for the monarch to deliver what's called the speech from the throne in Canada. Charles' mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did it twice in her 70-year reign, the last time in 1977.
Canadians are largely indifferent to the monarchy, but Carney has been eager to show the differences between Canada and the United States. The king's visit clearly underscores Canada's sovereignty, he said.
After America gained independence from Britain, Canada remained a colony until 1867 and afterward, continued as a constitutional monarchy with a British-style parliamentary system.
'We are different,' former Quebec premier Jean Charest said. 'If you look at why King Charles is reading the speech from the throne, then you have to then acknowledge Canada's story.'
The speech, which will be delivered Tuesday, is not written by the king or his UK advisers as Charles serves as a nonpartisan head of state. He will read what is put before him by Canada's government.
Canadian medals
Canadians were not happy when British Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended a state visit invitation to Trump on behalf of the king during a time when Trump threatened Canada's sovereignty.
'They weren't impressed by that gesture, quite simply, given the circumstance,' Carney told Britain's Sky News. 'It was a time when we were quite clear ... about the issues around sovereignty.'
The king has more recently been showing support for Canada, including displaying Canadian military medals on his chest during a visit to a British aircraft carrier.
During his 24-hour visit, Charles will also meet with Carney and visit Canada's National War Memorial.
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