Ottawa, May 27 (AP) King Charles III is set to present the new Canadian government’s agenda, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, in the Canadian Parliament on Tuesday. This event is perceived as a demonstration of support amid annexation threats from US President Donald Trump.
President Trump has repeatedly suggested annexing Canada into the United States, which spurred Prime Minister Carney to invite King Charles to deliver a speech from the throne. As the head of state, the king represents Canada, a member of the British Commonwealth.
In a statement, Carney highlighted the significance of the king’s visit, noting it symbolizes the “vitality of our constitutional monarchy and our distinct identity.” It is an uncommon occurrence for the monarch to deliver a throne speech in Canada, something Queen Elizabeth II did only twice during her 70-year reign—the last being in 1977.
King Charles will not be drafting the speech, as it is prepared by Canada’s government. As a nonpartisan figure, he will simply read what is provided.
Recently appointed Prime Minister Carney, formerly the head of the Bank of England, and Mary Simon, Canada's first Indigenous governor-general and the king's representative, had discussions with King Charles on Monday.
While Canadians generally exhibit ambivalence toward the monarchy, Carney aims to emphasize the differences between Canada and the United States. He remarked that the king’s visit is a clear statement of Canadian sovereignty.
Carney's ascendancy to Prime Minister was built on a platform committed to countering President Trump's aggressive stance.
US Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, expressed that Canada’s actions to send diplomatic messages are unnecessary. He advised moving past discussions of becoming the “51st state” and suggested direct communication channels with the president or himself.
The king and queen will travel to the Senate of Canada Building in a horse-drawn carriage, with 28 horses escorting the procession, 14 in front and 14 behind. Prior to the address, King Charles will receive the Royal Salute from a 100-member guard of honor from the 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment.
Following his speech and a visit to Canada's National War Memorial, King Charles will return to the United Kingdom.
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