King Charles III, in a rare personal address to Canada's Parliament on Tuesday, warned that the country faces a "critical moment" as it grapples with unprecedented political and economic pressures, including tariff disputes and annexation threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.
In the Speech from the Throne-traditionally delivered by Canada's governor-general but personally read by the monarch for only the second time in history-King Charles said: "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 address, drafted by Prime Minister Mark Carney's office, officially launched the legislative session after the Liberal Party's re-election last month. But the timing and delivery have drawn widespread interpretation as a symbolic assertion of Canadian sovereignty in the face of aggressive rhetoric from Washington.
"Today, Canada faces another critical moment," the King told lawmakers in Ottawa's Senate chamber. He noted that Canada had emerged as a beacon of freedom and peace in the aftermath of World War II and urged the nation to rise again to defend its values.
President Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of annexing Canada, calling the U.S.-Canada border "artificial" and referring to Carney's predecessor as "Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada." In a recent meeting with Carney, Trump described annexation as a "wonderful marriage," though he told reporters he didn't foresee military action.
Carney pushed back firmly: Canada "won't be for sale, ever."
King Charles made only indirect references to Trump, stating that Canada and the U.S. "have begun defining a new economic and security relationship... rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations."
The King emphasized the importance of open trade, saying it has "helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades," but acknowledged public unease. "Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about a drastically changing world around them," he said. "Yet this moment is also an incredible opportunity-for renewal... to think big and to act bigger."
Political scientists say the speech represents more than tradition. Jared Wesley, professor at the University of Alberta, said the visit shows "the king takes Canada's sovereignty seriously." Elizabeth McCallion of the University of Toronto added the address was a "reminder that we are an independent country."
King Charles's trip to Canada-his first since becoming monarch-comes amid a turbulent moment in U.S.-Canada relations. Alongside annexation rhetoric, Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods. In response, Canada has levied its own tariffs and escalated border security, including plans to deploy drones, helicopters, and canine units to intercept U.S.-sourced guns and drugs. According to Ottawa's Criminal Intelligence Service, 76% of guns seized in Canada between 2022 and 2024 originated in the United States.
Charles remarked, "Canada has what the world needs and the values the world respects." He expressed confidence that a "confident Canada" can overcome external pressures and "give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away."
The monarch also reflected on his late mother's historic visit to open Parliament in 1957, recalling a time when democracy was under threat during the Cold War. "Freedom and democracy were under threat," he said, drawing a parallel to current geopolitical instability.
Carney, who invited Charles to deliver the address, has described the timing as deliberate. While not mentioning Trump directly in his public welcome, the prime minister emphasized Canada's "distinct identity" and said, "historic ties that crises only fortify."
