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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Why King Charles' Historic Speech in Canada Could Have 'Gone Off the Rails' (Exclusive)
King Charles' Canada trip included a speech to Parliament that championed the country's independence amid tensions with the United States, a key U.K. ally Royal experts tells PEOPLE that the monarch "could give a master class in diplomatic relations" and his speech was "pitch perfect" The King recently invited President Donald Trump to the U.K. for a state visitKing Charles' visit to Canada included a speech that championed the country's independence without escalating current tensions with the United States, and royal experts say the monarch could "give a master class in diplomatic relations." On May 27, the King and Queen Camilla attended the State Opening of Parliament in Ottawa, where the sovereign gave a historic speech in English and French. All eyes were on King Charles and his address, which carefully navigated his role as Canada's head of state and the U.K.'s allyship with the U.S. amid Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent election. His victory was widely viewed as a rejection of President Donald Trump's agenda, including his push for higher tariffs and his remarks that Canada could be "merged with the U.S." and become the '51st state.' Ailsa Anderson, former press secretary to the late Queen Elizabeth, tells PEOPLE that King Charles pulled it off. 'Clearly, the government wrote it for him, but I liked the personal touches," she says. "Canada was one of the countries he wanted to go to first. But then he had the cancer diagnosis, so it had to be postponed. From my own experience, the late Queen always got an incredibly warm welcome when she visited. And he had been 19 times before as Prince of Wales, so it's a country he knew really, really well." Anderson said that the King "could give a master class in diplomatic relations," adding, "It was a tricky tightrope to read, but I think he did it." King Charles subtly addressed the strained relationship with the U.S. but stressed the strengths of Canada, quoting their anthem, "The True North is indeed strong and free!" The speech also came in the wake of the monarch's invitation for President Trump to come to the U.K. for a state visit. "The speech was really well handled," says Anderson. "It could have gone off the rails, and it didn't.' "The speech was pitch perfect," royal historian Dr. Ed Owens, author of After Elizabeth: Can the Monarchy Save Itself? tells PEOPLE. "What he doesn't want to do is jeopardize the future state visit to the United Kingdom by [President] Donald Trump." 'What was most remarkable about it was that it tackled the Canada-U.S. relationship head-on," Owens continues. "It talked directly about the relationship between the two countries, the importance of that relationship evolving along the lines of mutual respect and the importance of economic and defense cooperation." Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! Royal author Sally Bedell Smith tells PEOPLE that King Charles "deftly threaded the needle and handled everything really well." "His message to Canada and its southern neighbor is that there is something very distinctive about Canada and emphasized the multi-cultural heritage," she says. "The very fact that half of it was in French underlined that. For the Canadians, it was very good because it underlined how different culturally Canada is from the U.S." She adds, "He did the monarchy a lot of good because he emphasized correctly how deeply entwined Canada is with the crown. It is something that distinguishes Canada from the United States." Bedell Smith says Trump's comment about Canada becoming the "51st state" had to be taken seriously. "It could never have come to pass. But Trump has said it enough and, if nothing else, the elegant way Charles gave a history lesson to the world and one person in particular, puts to rest that notion of what Trump called a wonderful marriage with the United States," she says. Catherine Mayer, author of Charles: The Heart of a King, says that for some people who might have previously been skeptical about the King, he has now become a beacon who expresses sentiments that they now agree with. "To those who value it, a monarchy most shows its value in times of turbulence – and we're in a time of extreme turbulence. In a historical context, people always said of [his mother] Elizabeth that she was a fixed point and her father performed that role during the Second World War,' Mayer says. 'We have at the helm a man, who is old enough and experienced enough, and seems to be saying the right things," she adds. "This is somebody who's looking out on the world with decades of experience and, in theory, understanding." "He looks like a steady and fixed point. When you think how difficult his reputation has been in terms of his comparisons with Elizabeth, that is quite a move." The Governor General of Canada usually gives the speech from the throne on the monarch's behalf and sets out the government's agenda, and the speech has only been made by the sovereign once before — by Charles' late mother, who did so in October 1957. Carney asked King Charles to give the speech this year. In doing so, the King is drawing on his extensive diplomatic experience gleaned from more than five decades of frontline public service. He must reflect the policies and priorities of the prime minister, demonstrating his solidarity with the government and the people of the nation he serves as head of state. Read the original article on People
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Right after King Charles waves goodbye, Quebec lawmakers vote unanimously to end ties with British monarchy
On May 27, 2025, King Charles III gave a speech in Ottawa to start Canada's 45th Parliament. He even quoted the national anthem, saying, 'The True North is indeed strong and free.' That same day, Quebec's National Assembly voted to end all ties with the British monarchy, as per reports. The motion was brought by Parti Quebecois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon. The motion said Quebec is the only true voice of its people and that most Quebecers feel no connection to the monarchy. The motion was passed unanimously, all 106 Members of the National Assembly from CAQ, Liberals, and Quebec solidaire voted for it. There was no debate before passing the motion, it was quick and unanimous, according to the Gazette report. Premier François Legault didn't seem interested in the King's speech. He said he didn't listen to it because he was in meetings. Simon Jolin-Barrette, the minister in charge of Canadian relations, also didn't listen to it but said he might later. Ruba Ghazal, Quebec solidaire co-leader, called Canada a 'bizarre country' for inviting a foreign monarch to talk about its future. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like ¿Quieres un segundo ingreso? Prueba Amazon CFD (Inicia hoy) TradeLG Haz clic aquí Undo QS was the first party to push for ending the oath to the monarchy that MNAs used to take. In December 2022, Quebec passed a law making the oath to the monarch optional, after PQ MNAs were temporarily banned for refusing to swear it. As per the reports now, QS wants to go further and stop public money going to the lieutenant-governor's office, the King's rep in Quebec. This office costs $758,000/year for things like office, staff, and driver. The salary of the lieutenant-governor is paid by Ottawa, The current lieutenant-governor is Manon Jeannotte, appointed in December 2023. Live Events A day after Jeannotte was appointed, the National Assembly passed a motion to abolish the position, but nothing changed, since it's legally complex. Even though the job is mostly ceremonial, Quebec laws still need the royal seal to become official. QS says that instead of a lieutenant-governor, Quebec could have an administrator, but this needs support from Ottawa and other provinces. Ruba Ghazal said the first step is just to start the conversation. She gave an example, people once said ending the oath was impossible, but it happened, as mentioned in the Gazette report. Until then, QS says Quebec could at least stop funding the lieutenant-governor's office on its own. Ghazal said she has told this idea to Jolin-Barrette, and he's noted it. Back in 2015, CAQ's platform also said they wanted to remove the lieutenant-governor's post. St-Pierre Plamondon mocked the idea that U.S. President Donald Trump would be influenced by the King's visit, saying it's absurd and outdated. He said inviting King Charles to Canada, based on a colonial tradition, is offensive to francophones and Indigenous people. He questioned how Charles could help deal with Trump's random or hostile comments about Canada, as per reports. Marc Tanguay, interim Liberal leader, said he's not a fan of the monarchy either but warned that removing it needs a constitutional change, which is very hard. He also said, 'When I wake up in the morning, I am not thinking about King Charles III. My loyalty is to Quebec's people', as stated in the Gazette. FAQs Q1. Why did Quebec vote to cut ties with the British monarchy? Most Quebecers feel no connection to it, and leaders want Quebec to stand on its own. Q2. Can Quebec remove the lieutenant-governor post on its own? No, it needs support from Ottawa and other provinces to change that legally.
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First Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Trump's shadow and Trudeau's shoes: The big highlights from King Charles' throne speech in Canada
In a historic moment, King Charles delivered a rousing speech at the opening of parliament in Canada. The 76-year-old British monarch hailed Canada as 'strong and free', an indirect reference to Donald Trump and his constant annexation threats. But for all the buzz that the king created, former PM Justin Trudeau stole the show with his choice of casual footwear for the regal event read more King Charles delivers the speech from the throne in the Senate in Ottawa, Canada. AP Since Donald Trump returned to office, his threats to making Canada the 51st state of the United States of America have been constant. Amid these annexation threats, all attention turned to the Parliament speech in Canada delivered by King Charles III on the invitation of Prime Minister Mark Carney. It was a rare moment in history — Charles is the first British monarch in almost 70 years to preside over the opening of the Canadian parliament. But in his so-called Speech from the Throne, the monarch emphasised the country's sovereignty in a new era of 'dangerous and uncertain' times. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In his rousing speech, King Charles III said, 'The True North is indeed strong and free', referring to Canada's national anthem. He also laid out priorities for new Prime Minister Mark Carney . What was even more interesting in the King's speech was that while he reasserted Canada's sovereignty, he never once mentioned US President Donald Trump — despite the fact that he remained an elephant in the room. As Justin Vovk, a royal historian with McMaster University, told National Post, 'Not a single word of that speech was accidental. Every single word was chosen deliberately.' But what was the big message from King Charles' speech? We have the answer. Canada's sovereignty — the biggest message If there was one thing that King Charles emphasised during his speech to the Canadian parliament it was the country's sovereignty. In fact, Carney's invitation to King Charles was also a message to Trump, who has made several annexation threats. King Charles began his speech saying he felt a 'deep sense of pride' as he and his wife, Camilla, witnessed 'Canadians coming together in a renewed sense of national pride, unity and hope'. '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,' he said, later adding that the government was rebuilding, rearming and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces – and strengthening alliances with Europe – to 'protect Canada's sovereignty'. Similarly, he ended his speech to a rousing ovation as he said, 'The true north is indeed strong and free!' Notably, just as the British monarch ended his speech in Canada's parliament, Trump posted on his TruthSocial platform about annexing Canada by offering protection from his proposed 'Golden Dome' missile defence system . STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'I told Canada, which very much wants to be part of our fabulous Golden Dome system, that it will cost $61 billion dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, nation, but will cost zero dollars if they become our cherished 51st state,' Trump said, adding: 'They are considering the offer!' Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks with King Charles III and Queen Camilla as they attend the State Opening of the Parliament of Canada, in Ottawa. Reuters The trade war The 76-year-old king also focused on Canada's position in the world at a time when the world is faced with unprecedented challenges. He spoke of the ongoing global trade war, started by Trump, and reasserted that need for Ottawa to reinforce its established trading relationships, notably with European allies. 'The system of open global trade that, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, is changing,' Charles said. 'Canada's relationships with partners are also changing.' King Charles said that 'this moment is also an incredible opportunity'. '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.' However, he also hailed Canada-US ties, asserting, '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,' he said, 'rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney applauds Britain's King Charles at the Senate Chamber in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Reuters Tackling Canada's housing crisis King Charles' speech also focused on Canada's housing crisis , as prices of houses have skyrocketed across the country in the last decade. The King outlined the government's plan to tackle this issue — stating that the Canadian government will be reducing taxes for the middle class and cutting the GST on homes under $1 million for first-time homebuyers — a promise that Carney had made during the campaign. The King also said the government will double the rate of housing construction and create Build Canada Homes, a new government agency that will act as a developer for affordable housing. 'It will invest in the growth of the prefabricated and modular housing industry. And it will provide significant financing to affordable home builders,' he said. He added that the Government will make the housing market work better, including by cutting municipal development charges in half for all multi-unit housing. The government will drive supply up to bring housing costs down. Britain's King Charles III delivers the Speech from the Throne during the opening the first session of the 45th Parliament of Canada at the Senate of Canada in Ottawa. The 76-year-old monarch didn't mention Donald Trump even once by name during his speech even though the US president continues with his Canada annexation threats. AFP Trump looms large over Canada While King Charles didn't mention US President Donald Trump at all, he remained an ever looming presence. Neither did Charles utter Trump's name when he spoke about Canada's sovereignty, nor did he mention the US president when it came to the trade wars. Through the speech, the King was seen as sticking up for Canada when it was under pressure from its bigger neighbour — the United States of America. However, King Charles' speech was a fine balancing act — while it elicited a rousing ovation from Canada, it also ensured to appease Trump. In fact, at one point during his address, he seemed to be extending an olive branch to the US president by saying that the Canadian government would do more to stop fentanyl crossing the border, a drug that was the subject of accusations by the US administration. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Much ado about a shoe King Charles' Canada parliament speech was a royal affair, full of pomp and pageantry. The King entered the packed chamber in a procession to the sound of trumpets before delivering his speech from a throne. In fact, the King wore a formal pinstripe suit bearing a dense row of medals, leading with his Canadian insignias. Canada's former Prime Ministers Stephen Harper and Justin Trudeau speak next to Margaret Trudeau ahead of Britain's King Charles delivering the speech from the throne in the Senate in Ottawa, Canada. Don't miss Trudeau's orange and green sneakers! Reuters However, amid all this splendour, one thing stood out like a sore thumb. Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau opted to wear a pair of green and orange Adidas Gazelle sneakers. His casual choice of footwear soon became a talking point, with many criticising the former PM for his fashion choices. One user said on X, '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.' 'Justin Trudeau being Justin Trudeau had to do something… wear something to be noticed, to be talked about,' another said. 'Not sure why anyone is surprised. Trudeau was always needs to stand out.' With inputs from agencies
NDTV
6 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
King Charles Praises "Strong, Free" Canada Amid Trump's Annexation Threats
Ottawa: King Charles III calls Canada a "strong and free" nation in a major speech at the opening of parliament in Ottawa amid annexation threats from US President Donald Trump. The King, Canada's head of state, noted that the relationships of the North American country with partners, including the US, were changing, and he stressed the sovereignty of both nations. "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 monarch said, adding that Ottawa was facing a "critical moment." "The True North is indeed strong and free," he said, referring to Canada's national anthem. The speech of King Charles, who had never publicly commented on Trump's repeated threats of making Canada the 51st US state, was closely watched for veiled references on the issue. Tensions with America were a theme throughout the King's speech, though the US president was never mentioned by name. The king referred to "the country that Canadians and I love so much" but did not name Trump, who has imposed tariffs on Canadian exports. "The system of open global trade that, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, is changing," Charles said, in cautious words. "We must be clear-eyed: the world is a more dangerous and uncertain place than at any point since the Second World War." The 76-year-old king is the first British monarch in almost 70 years to preside over the opening of the Canadian parliament. As Canada is a Commonwealth member, the king was invited by Prime Minister Mark Carney as the country's head of state for the opening of the new parliamentary session. His address at the Senate -- a former railway station that has been converted while parliament undergoes renovations -- was attended by past prime ministers, Supreme Court justices and Indigenous leaders in feather headdresses. "Every time I come to Canada ... a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream - and from there straight to my has continued to set an example to the world in her conduct and values, as a force for good," he, accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla. The monarchy is not a major factor in Canadian daily life, even though coins and bank notes feature the monarch's head and the country is defended by the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Royal Canadian Navy. Trump's Threats The British monarch's move to open parliament - a role traditionally left to the governor general, who is the monarch's top representative in Canada - is seen as a symbolic show of support for the Commonwealth nation, especially as Trump launched tariff wars, particularly targeting Canada. Not to be outdone, Trump on Tuesday posted on his TruthSocial platform about annexing Canada -- eliding mention of King Charles -- by offering protection from his proposed "Golden Dome" missile defence system. "I told Canada, which very much wants to be part of our fabulous Golden Dome System, that it will cost $61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation, but will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State," Trump said, adding: "They are considering the offer!" There was no immediate response from Canada to Trump's claims.
USA Today
7 days ago
- Politics
- USA Today
King Charles expresses love for Canada, says it will remain 'strong and free'
King Charles expresses love for Canada, says it will remain 'strong and free' Charles didn't directly comment on President Donald Trump, who has mused about turning Canada into the 51st U.S. state. Show Caption Hide Caption King Charles III first portrait since his coronation unveiled The portrait painted by artist Jonathan Yeo depicts King Charles III wearing the uniform of the Welsh Guards military unit, against a red background. Charles is the first British monarch in nearly 70 years to preside over the opening of the Canadian parliament. OTTAWA, Canada − King Charles, speaking during a symbolic visit to show support for Canada at a time it has faced U.S. annexation threats, on Tuesday expressed his love for Canada and said the country would remain "strong and free." Charles, Canada's head of state, is the first British monarch in almost 70 years to preside over the opening of the Canadian parliament. More: King Charles visits Canada in show of support for country eyed by Trump In a speech, Charles referred to the "the country that Canadians and I love so much" but made no direct reference to U.S. President Donald Trump, who has imposed tariffs on Canadian exports and muses about turning Canada into the 51st U.S. state. More: Mark Carney tells President Trump that Canada is 'not for sale' "The True North is indeed strong and free," Charles said, referring to the Canadian national anthem. The speech outlining the government's plans for the next session was largely written by officials working for Prime Minister Mark Carney. But Charles was responsible for the comments about his love for Canada.
