King Charles is preparing for his first official visit to Canada as monarch next week, during which he is expected to deliver a throne speech carrying a firm message aimed at Donald Trump.
As the King prepares for this significant trip, royal sources believe it will strongly affirm Canada’s independence in light of Trump’s past remarks about turning the country into the “51st state of the USA.”
Jeremy Kinsman, former Canadian High Commissioner to the UK, commented that the visit is “a big deal for the King,” and expressed confidence in its purpose. “It’s going to be very affirmative of Canadian sovereignty,” Kinsman said. “And I can say personally that it’s something that King Charles will celebrate saying. I have no doubt.”
Kinsman expects the King’s speech will emphasize that “the government will protect, pursue and preserve the sovereignty of Canada as an independent state.”
An insider at the palace told The Times that the King will be walking a “diplomatic tightrope” during the brief tour.
“He is thoughtful, has mastery of that diplomatic tightrope and has become even more acutely aware of how to walk it out since he has acceded to the throne,” the source said. “Underpinning it all are the warm personal relationships he has with world leaders right across the globe and right across political divides.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney previously stated that Canadians were not “impressed” by the UK’s invitation to President Trump for a state visit. However, Kinsman suggested that Carney’s tone reflected the typically understated Canadian style, pointing out that many in Canada were deeply angered by the UK government’s efforts to court Trump.
Peter Donolo, a director with the Canadian International Council think tank, offered his view to the BBC: “On the one hand they’re using Charles in the UK to curry favour with the Americans and then it seems our government wants to use him to stand up for Canada. You can’t have it both ways.”
Kinsman believes the upcoming speech could help mend recent diplomatic strains. He said the King will reinforce Canada’s independence with a clear message: “Canada will not be the US 51st state.”
He reiterated, “It will say the government will protect, pursue and preserve the sovereignty of Canada as an independent state.”
Although Canada gained partial independence through the British North America Act in 1867 and made further strides after both World Wars, full sovereignty only came in 1982 with the adoption of its own constitution.
Still, Canada remains an integral member of the Commonwealth, with King Charles III acting as the symbolic head of state.
The King and Queen Consort share meaningful ties to Canada. Sean Carney, the brother of Prime Minister Carney, serves as an aide to the Prince and Princess of Wales. Additionally, Queen Camilla has notable Canadian ancestry—her great-great-great-grandfather, Sir Allan Napier MacNab, co-led the Province of Canada in the 1850s.
Donald Trump has on several occasions hinted at annexing Canada, even referring to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “Governor,” suggesting he views Canada as little more than another American state.
The election of Mark Carney was widely seen as a reflection of the country’s firm opposition to Trump. In response to Trump’s rhetoric, Carney made it clear that Canada was “not for sale.”
Their Majesties the King and Queen Consort are scheduled to be in Ottawa from Monday (May 26) through Tuesday (May 27). This marks King Charles’s first visit to Canada since ascending the throne.
During the visit, the King will meet with Governor General and Prime Minister Carney, and there will be a ceremony formally welcoming the Queen Consort into the Canadian privy council.
Together, the royal couple will attend the state opening of parliament, where King Charles will deliver a speech from the throne in the Senate Chamber.
This event will mark only the second time a reigning monarch has opened a session of the Canadian parliament—the first being Queen Elizabeth II in October 1957—and just the third occasion a sovereign has delivered a throne speech in Canada.