King Charles in Canada inaugurates Parliament today, 'message' to Trump
The British sovereign will read the text prepared by the Carney government, but his presence is considered in itself a message of solidarity to Ottawa in relation to the claims of US President Donald Trump
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LONDON - Charles III, in his role as King of Canada, will today deliver the traditional 'Speech from the Throne' in the Senate in Ottawa, presenting the programme of the new government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
There is great anticipation for his speech because the King's two-day visit is seen as a sign of support and solidarity with Canada, which has been targeted by the US president in recent months. Donald Trump has announced his intention to annex his neighbour, making the country the 51st US state and clashing with Carney who has declared that 'Canada is not and never will be for sale'.
As in the Westminster Parliament, Charles will not speak his own words but will read a text prepared by the Executive. Despite this, there is great anticipation for his speech, which is expected to reaffirm Canada's independence and sovereignty.
The presence of King Charles III is intended to remind us of history and to emphasise how different Canada is from the United States. While the Americans made a revolution to gain independence from Britain, Canada remained a colony until 1867 and remains a constitutional monarchy with a British-inspired parliamentary system.
King Charles is formally head of state because Canada is part of the Commonwealth, the association uniting the former colonies of the British Empire. In contrast to other former colonies that have demanded independence or have strong republican movements, Canada has a benevolent attitude towards the monarchy, which in turn has kept its distance.
