Carney Uses King Charles to Project Canadian Strength to Trump
King Charles III, as the head of state for both the United Kingdom and 14 Commonwealth realms including Canada, recently made a significant visit to Canada, seemingly to convey a message to the United States.
Prime Minister Mark Carney orchestrated Charles’s participation in the Canadian throne speech, where the monarch reads a speech written by the leading politician in front of elected officials.
Traditionally, the governor general of Canada, a Canadian representing the monarch, delivers the speech. Usually, Mary Simon, the first Indigenous governor general of Canada, would perform this duty with little public attention in the Senate.
However, this occasion was different. Instead of Simon, Carney arranged for Charles and Queen Camilla to travel to Ottawa. They arrived at Parliament Hill in a horse-drawn carriage, escorted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, creating a display of royal grandeur reminiscent of Queen Elizabeth’s visit in 1977.
While Charles has visited Canada 21 times, this was the first instance of him opening a parliamentary session with the throne speech. Despite a warm welcome from the crowd, monarchical enthusiasm remained largely within parliamentary circles.
Many Canadians are indifferent or skeptical towards the monarchy, viewing it as disconnected from their evolving cultural ties with Britain. A recent poll indicated that 83% of Canadians are largely unconcerned about Charles’s visit. However, these constitutional frameworks proved valuable to the Canadian government.
Amid concerns about President Donald Trump’s past remarks regarding potentially annexing Canada, prompting anxiety and a desire to assert their independence, Canada sought support from the UK, its head of state’s home. However, UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer faced criticism for not defending Canadian sovereignty. His ministers reportedly intervened with Canada to prevent Charles from jeopardizing relations with the UK. Nevertheless, as King of Canada, Charles’s visit could not be prevented by Starmer.
During Starmer’s White House visit in February, he offered Trump an invitation from King Charles, whom Trump has praised. Recognizing Trump’s affinity for royal symbols, Carney used Charles to send a message: the King stands with Canada.
Charles, bound by constitutional restrictions on political commentary, consistently showed his support for Canada, culminating in his physical presence and direct message. Carney, speaking through Charles, acknowledged Canadians’ anxieties about global instability.
Through his visit, Charles emphasized Canada’s distinct constitutional identity. Through his words, it was hoped that Trump would receive the intended message of reassurance.
“We must be clear-eyed: the world is a more dangerous and uncertain place than at any point since the Second World War,” Charles stated, speaking in both English and French. “Canada is facing challenges that are unprecedented in our lifetimes.”
Following this, Carney’s agenda was presented, including faster energy project approvals and a housing program, before returning to the main point: “As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free.”
Though the words originated from Carney, the Canadian hope was that Trump understood their message: Canada does not wish to be annexed.
Earlier in his second term, Trump seemed optimistic about annexationist sentiments in Canada. However, there are indications Trump is beginning to understand his northern neighbors prefer their traditions, including their monarchy, and their sovereignty.
During Carney’s visit to the Oval Office earlier this month, Carney stated that some properties are permanently off the market: “We’re sitting in one right now, Buckingham Palace that you visited, as well. And having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign the last several months, it’s not for sale, it won’t be for sale, ever.”
Trump’s response was, “never say never.” However, Pete Hoekstra, the new US ambassador to Ottawa, stated that annexation is not part of his mandate, suggesting Trump is moving on.
Predicting Trump’s reaction is difficult, but Canada and its monarch have made their stance on sovereignty clear to the American president.
Canada already has a King, and it’s not Trump.
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