By David Ljunggren
OTTAWA (newsinpo.site) – During a ceremonial trip aimed at demonstrating solidarity with Canada amid annexation threats posed by U.S. President Donald Trump, King Charles conveyed his affection for the nation on Tuesday, calling it “robust and autonomous.”
King Charles, as the leader of Canada, becomes the first British monarch in nearly seven decades to oversee the opening of the Canadian parliament.
During his address in the Senate, Charles spoke of “the nation that both Canadians and myself hold dear,” though he did not directly mention Trump. It was noted that Trump has levied tariffs against Canadian goods and occasionally talks about making Canada the 51st state of the United States.
“Indeed, the True North stands strong and free,” Charles remarked, alluding to the Canadian national anthem.
The address presenting the administration’s strategies for the upcoming legislative period was primarily drafted by civil servants employed under Prime Minister Mark Carney. However, Charles penned the remarks expressing his affection for Canada.
Each time I visit Canada, a bit more of this country seeps into my veins – and from there directly to my heart,” stated the monarch alongside his spouse, Queen Camilla.
Charles, who bantered and chuckled with Carney prior to the speech, had the Order of Canada draped around his neck.
Charles and Camilla traveled to the Senate building in a horse-drawn carriage accompanied by 28 mounted officers of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, receiving enthusiastic cheers from spectators waving flags. Following this, Charles reviewed an honor guard dressed in vibrant crimson attire.
A survey conducted by Ipsos Reid and published Tuesday for Global News revealed that 66% of participants felt Canada’s association with the monarchy was beneficial as it distinguished the country from the United States, an increase from 54% in April 2023.
During the address, the administration restated their conviction that Canada must establish a fresh approach in its dealings with the U.S. and seek out alternative trade allies who are deemed more dependable.
The cordial reception accorded to the royal pair stood in stark contrast to their trip to Australia in the previous October, where an Indigenous senator interrupted Charles during his speech at Parliament House, charging him with “genocide.”
For many years, Australia has discussed whether to retain a distant monarch. In a 1999 referendum, the country voted against adopting a republican system, with 55% of voters opposing the change.
The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, along with many members of his center-left Labor Party, back the movement towards becoming a republic.
The monarchy does not typically play a significant role in Canadians’ everyday experiences, despite featuring prominently on currency with images of the monarch and through military branches like the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Royal Canadian Navy providing national defense.
A survey conducted by the non-profit Angus Reid Institute and published on Tuesday revealed that 83% of Canadians expressed indifference or stated they did not care about the royal’s historical trip.
(Additional reporting by Promit Mukherjee in Ottawa; Edited by Caroline Stauffer and Joe Bavier)
