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King Charles warns Canada must remain ‘strong and free’ amid 51st state row with Trump during opening of parliament
The King said that Canada 'faces new threats'
KING Charles has warned Canada must remain “strong and free” as it faces a critical time in its history.
Charles backed the maple leaf nation’s independence when he became the first monarch since 1957 to open a parliament session at the Senate building.
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His appearance yesterday comes as he walks a diplomatic tightrope amid Canada’s ongoing row with Donald Trump — who wants it to become the US’s 51st state.
But Charles — also the country’s monarch — was given a standing ovation from attendees after declaring during his speech to parliament that “The True North is indeed strong and free”.
Charles and Queen Camilla waved to cheering crowds as they took a State Landau open-top carriage through Ottawa before they arrived at the Senate.
They received the Royal Salute from a 100-person guard of honour from the 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment and 21-gun salute.
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Their arrival was marked by a drumming and singing performance from First Nations Ottawa River Singers, while Inuit elder the Rev Canon Aigah Attagutsiak tended a smoking bowl of animal blubber — called a quilliq.
Alongside new Canadian PM Mark Carney, Charles and Camilla sat on thrones made from walnut trees from the UK’s Windsor Great Park.
Ex PM Justin Trudeau, meanwhile, sat in the front row wearing a pair of green and pink trainers.
The True North is indeed strong and free
Charles
Many Canadians have seen the King’s 24-hour whistle-stop trip to Ottawa as a symbol of support for the nation as they battle with President Trump — despite Charles inviting the US leader for a second state visit earlier this year following his return to the White House.
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Charles gave his address in the Senate in both English and French.
He said: “It is with a sense of deep pride and pleasure that my wife and I join you here today as we witness Canadians coming together in a renewed sense of national pride.”
King Charles lands in Canada for landmark state visit
Speaking of 68 years of Canada’s history since his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, addressed the parliament he said: “Today, Canada faces another critical moment.
“Democracy, pluralism, rule of law, self-determination and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the government is determined to protect.”
By staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians
Charles
And in a possible nod to the ongoing tariff row with Mr Trump, he said: “The system of open global trade that, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, is changing. Canada’s relationships with partners are also changing.”
He went on to look to offer reassurance to Canadians over the changing world and their prospects for the future ahead of them.
He said: “Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away.
“And by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians.”
In the address, which outlined the plans of Mr Carney’s government, he described how Canada’s PM and Mr Trump had begun a new relationship built on “mutual respect and founded on common interests”.
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But referring to the lyrics of Canada’s national anthem, he told parliamentarians, with his voice appearing to crack with emotion: “As the anthem reminds us — The True North is indeed strong and free.”
Mr Carney said during his own speech that Canada “never, ever, will be part of America in any way, shape, or form”.
Before flying back, Charles and Camilla took part in a poignant wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
It capped a successful trip, which Charles had begun on Monday by dropping a puck to start a junior street hockey game.
He and Camilla were cheered by hundreds of spectators who turned out at a community event at Lansdowne Park in the city.
As my wife and I leave Canada, we wanted to send our most heartfelt thanks to all those who turned out to offer their support on this, my first visit as sovereign
Charles
Canadian and UK flags were waved, with supporters cheering: “God Save The King.”
Following their departure last night, Charles sent out a thank you message on social media to his hosts.
He wrote: “As my wife and I leave Canada, we wanted to send our most heartfelt thanks to all those who turned out to offer their support on this, my first visit as sovereign.
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“It was the warmest of welcomes — and the fondest of returns to a land and a people we love. Until the next time, au revoir, Canada, et avec tous nos remerciements.”
Charles has previously shown his support for Canada with messages on the 60th anniversary of its maple leaf flag and by planting a maple tree at Buckingham Palace.
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