The King has delivered a warning shot to US President Donald Trump after his verbal attacks on Canada, saying the country is “strong and free”. During a historic address for the opening of parliament at the Senate in the capital Ottawa, he appealed for calm in light of Canadians “feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them”.
The King’s visit to Canada, one of the 14 realms where he is head of state, comes in the wake of prolonged aggression from Trump who, amid a global trade war, has claimed the country should become the 51st state of America. Canadians reacted with horror over the outlandish suggestion, with new prime minister Mark Carney insisting during a tense meeting in the Oval Office that his country would “never ever” be for sale.
Speaking today from a throne carved from a Canadian black walnut tree and donated English walnut from a forest behind Windsor Castle, the monarch said Canada faced a “critical moment” in its history. He also received a rapturous applause from those gathered after he delivered the line “strong and true”.
He said: “Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the Government is determined to protect.” In a 25 minute speech delivered in both English and French, Charles spoke of his “greatest admiration for Canada’s unique identity”.
In front of senior politicians, including recently elected prime minister Mark Carney and his predecessor Justin Trudeau, indigenous leaders and MPs, Charles also referenced the unity of the monarchy and Canada as its sovereignty is under threat. He said: “Today, Canada faces another critical moment. Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the Government is determined to protect.”