King Charles III is set to make a landmark address to the Canadian Parliament on Tuesday, as the nation grapples with unprecedented diplomatic strain sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated suggestions that Canada should be annexed as America’s 51st state.
The address, known as the “throne speech,” will be delivered in the Senate — temporarily housed in a converted former railway station due to ongoing renovations at Parliament Hill. While the speech will be read by the King, its contents were prepared by the office of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and will outline the government’s agenda.
Carney, who recently led the Liberal Party to victory in the April 28 elections, has framed his administration around strengthening Canadian sovereignty and economic resilience in response to Trump’s aggressive foreign policy stance. “This historic honour matches the weight of our times,” Carney said ahead of the King’s appearance.
The Prime Minister has pledged to spearhead the most significant transformation of Canada’s economy since World War II, declaring his resolve to “stand up” to Trump’s isolationist agenda, tariff threats, and repeated verbal jabs at Canada’s independence.
Though King Charles has not publicly commented on the U.S. president’s controversial rhetoric, his speech will be closely scrutinized for any implicit statements affirming Canada’s sovereignty. The 76-year-old monarch, currently undergoing cancer treatment, is accompanied on this visit by Queen Camilla. The trip marks his first official visit to Canada since his coronation.
This will be only the third time in history that a reigning monarch has personally delivered Canada’s throne speech — a rare occurrence previously undertaken by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957 and 1977. Political analysts say the symbolism of the moment is powerful.
“In terms of symbolism, it’s extraordinary,” said Felix Mathieu, a political science professor at the University of Quebec in Outaouais. “It sends a message to Donald Trump that Canada is not alone in this fight.”
Thousands gathered in Ottawa on Monday to welcome the royal couple. Their first day included a ceremonial tree planting at Rideau Hall, visits to a local farmer’s market, and performances by Indigenous artists. King Charles also met privately with Prime Minister Carney and leaders from Indigenous communities.
On Tuesday, the King and Queen will proceed to the Senate in a horse-drawn carriage escorted by 28 Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers from the famed “Musical Ride” unit. The event will feature a 21-gun salute, a military flypast, and the laying of a wreath at the National War Memorial.
For many Canadians, the royal visit represents more than tradition. “He’s here to deliver a clear message to Trump that we are not for sale,” said Shrikant Mogulala, 32, who joined crowds outside Rideau Hall.
“It’s a great time for the King to be here,” added Dave Shaw, 60, a retiree. “Given the geopolitical climate, his presence means a lot to us.”
King Charles’s speech is expected to reiterate Canada’s commitment to its democratic values, affirm its sovereign status, and reinforce national unity during a critical time in the country’s history.
