Charles III made an urgent statement this Tuesday, warning about what could happen in the not-too-distant future. The English monarch, currently visiting Canada, was responsible for inaugurating the new session in the Parliament of that country. Accompanied by his wife Camilla, the king stated that the North American country is facing "a critical moment," with "unprecedented challenges."
The sovereign delivered a clear message in response to Donald Trump's repeated threats that Canada should be annexed by the United States, thus becoming the 51st state. "Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values that Canadians deeply cherish and that the government is determined to protect," Charles III added.
The sovereign received an invitation from Canada's Prime Minister, Mark Carney, to deliver this speech to the nation. The leader took the opportunity to state that the visit of the English monarch "underscores our country's sovereignty."
King Charles III makes clear to Donald Trump what his stance is regarding Canada
It should be remembered that, in addition to the United Kingdom, Charles III is head of state of Canada. He is also head of state of 13 other Commonwealth nations, including Australia, New Zealand, and several Caribbean states.
Donald Trump's insinuations that the United States could annex Canada led Prime Minister Carney to invite Charles III to deliver the Throne Speech.
This is the third time in Canada's history that a British monarch has delivered this address in the Canadian chamber. It was in 1957 and 1977 when Elizabeth II, mother of the current king, had the opportunity to enjoy that privilege.
The truth is that Canadians are largely indifferent to the monarchy. However, at this time their prime minister wishes to make clear the differences between Canada and the United States. Thus, the visit of the English king underscores Canada's sovereignty.
This is the first time Charles III visits Canada since he was proclaimed king
After the United States gained independence from Great Britain, Canada remained a colony until 1867 and later continued as a constitutional monarchy with a British-style parliamentary system.
Beyond the tensions with the president of the United States, it should be noted that this is the first trip of William of England's father to Canada as reigning monarch. Charles III and his wife Camilla had planned to visit last year, but they canceled their plans due to the sovereign's health problems.
Although it was a brief trip—the royals arrived on Monday morning and returned to London on Tuesday—the Royal Household trusts that it will have a great impact. Their intention is for the presence of the monarchs in Canada to make Trump reconsider his Canadian ambitions.