King Charles III, Canada’s head of state, expressed his affection for the nation, describing it as “strong and free,” during a symbolic visit on Tuesday. His remarks come at a time when Canada has faced perceived annexation threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Charles is the first British monarch in nearly 70 years to preside over the opening of the Canadian parliament. Addressing the Senate, Charles referred to “the country that Canadians and I love so much” but did not directly mention Trump, who has previously imposed tariffs on Canadian exports and publicly mused about the possibility of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state. Echoing a line from the Canadian national anthem, Charles affirmed, “The True North is indeed strong and free.”
The speech outlining the government’s agenda for the upcoming parliamentary session was largely prepared by officials working for Prime Minister Mark Carney. However, the comments expressing Charles’ personal fondness for Canada were attributed to the monarch himself.
“Every time I come to Canada … a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream – and from there straight to my heart,” the monarch stated, accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla. Charles, who engaged in lighthearted conversation with Prime Minister Carney before his address, wore the Order of Canada.
The royal couple arrived at the Senate in a horse-drawn carriage, escorted by 28 riders from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. They were greeted by flag-waving onlookers. Charles subsequently inspected an honor guard dressed in traditional bright red uniforms.
A recent Ipsos Reid poll conducted for Global News, released on Tuesday, indicated that 66% of respondents believe Canada’s relationship with the monarchy is beneficial as it helps distinguish the nation from the United States. This represents an increase from 54% in April 2023. In his speech, the Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to forging a renewed relationship with the U.S. while also seeking more dependable trading partners.
The warm reception for the royal couple contrasted with their visit to Australia last October, where an Indigenous senator publicly heckled Charles in Parliament House, accusing him of “genocide.” Australia has a long-standing debate regarding its ties to the British monarchy. A 1999 referendum on whether Australia should become a republic was defeated, with 55% of voters opposing the change. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and a significant portion of his center-left Labor party support the republican cause.
While Canada’s coins and bank notes feature the monarch’s image, and its military includes branches named the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Royal Canadian Navy, the monarchy is not generally a prominent aspect of daily life for most Canadians. A poll released on Tuesday by the Angus Reid Institute, a non-profit organization, showed that 83% of Canadians reported feeling indifferent or expressing no particular interest in the monarch’s historic visit.
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