King Charles to open Canadian parliament amid US tensions
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King Charles is set to visit Ottawa to open Canada’s parliament as PM Mark Carney pushes back against Trump’s annexation rhetoric and trade threats.
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Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney talks during a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in 10 Downing Street, London, England, Monday March 17, 2025. (AP)
King Charles III will land in Ottawa on Monday to deliver the throne speech and open Canada's new session of parliament, a symbolic move interpreted as a response to US President Donald Trump's repeated annexation remarks and mounting trade tensions.
The visit, Charles’s first to Canada since his coronation, comes at the invitation of Prime Minister Mark Carney, who is looking to assert Canadian sovereignty and reorient economic ties beyond Washington.
As Canada’s head of state under the Commonwealth, Charles's presence underscores the country’s identity as a constitutional monarchy. His speech, typically delivered by the governor general, will outline the new government’s legislative agenda at the Senate on Tuesday, following full military honors. Queen Elizabeth II delivered the throne speech in Canada only twice during her reign, in 1957 and 1977.
Mark Carney, elected earlier this year, has voiced distrust toward the United States and vowed to "define a new economic and security relationship" with Washington. He criticized overreliance on US trade and announced plans to deepen commercial ties with other global partners while boosting internal commerce. According to Carney, King Charles's speech will chart a path for building “Canada strong” amid growing geopolitical pressure.
The government called the royal appearance “a momentous and historic occasion that underscores Canada's identity and sovereignty.” The visit also includes Queen Camilla, and the royal couple will meet community organizations and dignitaries, including Governor General Mary Simon and Indigenous leaders, before the parliamentary ceremony.
Trump’s annexation remarks
Tensions flared earlier this month when Trump once again floated the idea of annexing Canada, calling it “a wonderful marriage” during Carney’s Oval Office visit. The prime minister pushed back sharply, stating that Canada was “never for sale.” Though the US has not pursued annexation formally, Trump’s remarks, along with a history of tariffs on Canadian aluminum, steel, and auto sectors, have rattled Ottawa.
Pete Hoekstra, the US ambassador to Canada, dismissed the significance of Charles’s visit, saying, “If there’s a message in there, there are easier ways to send messages. Just give me a call.” He added that the annexation issue was “over,” and urged Canadians to “move on.”
King Charles has made no public comments regarding Trump’s annexation rhetoric, but observers will be closely watching his throne speech for subtle references to Canadian autonomy. The address will likely mirror Carney’s recent statements about securing Canada’s place in the world by asserting its independence both economically and diplomatically.
Canadian royal commentator Edward Wang, who traveled from Vancouver to attend the visit, told AFP, “At a time when the sovereignty of our country is being challenged, having our head of state open the first session of a new Parliament sends a signal.”
The brief 24-hour royal visit is being framed not just as ceremonial, but as a timely assertion of Canada’s sovereign identity amid political strain with its southern neighbor. With the throne speech expected to reflect the government’s policy of reduced dependency on the United States, the entire affair is being closely followed both domestically and abroad.
