King Charles is poised to make a landmark visit to Canada this week, becoming the first monarch in nearly seven decades to formally open the country’s Parliament. While ceremonial in nature, the occasion carries significant diplomatic weight as Canada navigates renewed political strain fueled by provocative rhetoric from former U.S. President Donald Trump.
“This is a big deal for the King to do this,” said Jeremy Kinsman, former Canadian high commissioner to the United Kingdom. “It’s a strong gesture that reinforces Canada’s sovereignty—especially now, when Trump’s influence still casts a long shadow over North American affairs.”
The King is scheduled to deliver the traditional “Speech from the Throne” on Tuesday in Ottawa, addressing both chambers of Parliament in French and English. Although the speech is officially drafted with guidance from the Canadian government, it is expected to deliver more than a list of legislative goals. Many believe it will also serve as a pointed affirmation of Canada’s independence—particularly from its powerful southern neighbor.
Kinsman, who once worked alongside Charles during his time as Prince of Wales, predicts the speech will underscore Canada’s autonomy and right to self-determination. “It will affirm that the government is committed to protecting and preserving Canada as a fully sovereign nation,” he said.
The anticipated tone aligns with the political agenda of newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney, who won office on a platform openly opposed to Trump-style nationalism. Carney has repeatedly pushed back against U.S. interference, famously declaring during a White House visit that “Canada is not for sale”—a direct rebuke to Trump’s earlier, controversial suggestion that the United States could consider annexing Canadian land.
King Charles to Open Canada’s Parliament Amid Rising Tensions with Trump
This visit marks the first time a monarch will open Canada’s Parliament since Queen Elizabeth II did so in 1957. She also delivered the last royal “Speech from the Throne” in 1977. By stepping into this historic role, King Charles is not only reviving royal tradition but also offering symbolic reinforcement of Canadian independence a
The King’s presence on Canadian soil poses a uniquely sensitive challenge. He must strike a careful balance—affirming his solidarity with Canada’s government without jeopardizing the United Kingdom’s broader diplomatic relationships, especially in light of Trump’s ongoing political relevance.
“He’s a skilled statesman in his own right,” said one royal aide. “He understands how to walk the diplomatic tightrope and is respected globally across ideological lines.”
Mel Cappe, a former Canadian cabinet secretary and ambassador, acknowledged that while the speech will largely reflect the Canadian government’s messaging, the King may weave in personal reflections. “He’s not going to poke Trump in the eye,” Cappe said. “But he also isn’t going to flatter Donald Trump.”
Cappe noted that Trump’s admiration for the monarchy may add unexpected weight to the King’s remarks. “Symbolically, this is a big moment. If the speech includes something as bold as ‘never’—as in, Canada will never submit to outside control—it will be heard loud and clear both at home and abroad.”
The King’s visit follows a period of heightened anxiety in Canada after Trump publicly floated the idea of annexing the country. Though widely dismissed in the U.S. as political theater, the comments caused real concern in Canada.
“It shook Canadians’ view of their place in the world,” said Kinsman. “It wasn’t just political rhetoric—it was psychologically jarring.”
While some in the U.K., including Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, have sought to position the monarchy as a bridge to Trump, Canada’s leadership has chosen a different path. Prime Minister Carney’s invitation to King Charles is widely seen as a deliberate move to distance Canada from Trump-era influence.
Kinsman emphasized that the King’s participation in this message is sincere. “He’s not being used. He believes in the sovereignty of Canada and has a long, genuine connection with the country.”
Still, not everyone agrees with using the monarchy to send political signals. Peter Donolo of the Canadian International Council criticized the strategy, arguing that it’s impossible to have the King send conflicting messages to different audiences. “You can’t have it both ways—cozying up to Trump in London and rebuffing him in Ottawa,” he said, adding that the monarchy is largely irrelevant to how Trump perceives Canada.
Elizabeth McCallion, a political science professor at the University of Toronto, said most Canadians are less focused on the constitutional fine print than on the symbolism of the moment.
“Trump’s annexation comments left a deep scar,” she explained. “Many were disappointed that the U.K. didn’t more forcefully reject it. Now, they’re hoping King Charles will use his platform to reassure them.”
As the King prepares to address Canada’s Parliament, expectations are high. Beyond the pomp and pageantry, this speech may prove a watershed moment—reasserting Canada’s independence in an uncertain world and reminding Canadians, and the world, of the enduring strength of their democratic identity.
