With tensions simmering over U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated calls for Canada to become the 51st state of America, all eyes are now on King Charles.
He is preparing to deliver a historic speech in Ottawa later this month — an event not seen from a monarch in nearly 50 years.
Many believe this moment offers Charles a unique chance to quietly but firmly remind the world that Canada is an independent nation not up for grabs.
The First Royal Speech in Decades Carries Extra Weight
On May 27, King Charles will open a new session of Canada’s parliament with the traditional “speech from the throne.”
This speech typically outlines the government’s agenda, but this time it carries extra symbolic power.
While Charles is expected to stick to the politically neutral script written for him, insiders hope he might slip in a carefully chosen phrase to send a clear message to Trump and others.
Voices from Canada Hope for a Strong Message
Former Canadian ambassador Artur Wilczynski shared his hopes for the speech, telling the press he wants Charles to affirm Canada’s sovereignty loudly and clearly.
“Canada is and will continue to be a strong, vibrant and independent nation,” Wilczynski said.
He added it would be powerful to hear the King pledge to support Canada’s right to self-determination as head of the Commonwealth.
Green Party leader Elizabeth May echoed those feelings, saying even the smallest nod to “God Save Canada” would be warmly welcomed by Canadians, especially during such a delicate time.
Charles Navigates a Diplomatic Tightrope
King Charles faces a tricky balancing act: he wants to show strong solidarity with Canada but without jeopardizing the UK’s diplomatic ties to the U.S., especially under Trump’s administration.
Over recent months, Charles has used subtle, symbolic gestures to express his support.
For example, he praised Canada warmly on the 60th anniversary of its maple leaf flag and even wore Canadian medals and planted a maple tree behind Buckingham Palace.
May pointed out that the King’s every move will be under intense scrutiny during his visit, making subtlety all the more crucial.
Mixed Feelings Over Trump’s State Visits
The invitation for Trump’s second state visit to the UK has stirred controversy in Canada.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney admitted that Canadians weren’t impressed by the invitation, especially given the ongoing concerns about sovereignty.
The invite was extended by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer earlier this year during a White House meeting, but Carney made it clear that any political fallout is for the UK and Buckingham Palace to handle.
The Speech as a Reaffirmation of Canadian Independence
Carney called the King’s invitation to open Canada’s parliament “no coincidence,” framing it as a deliberate show of support and a statement about Canada’s place on the world stage.
Toronto Star columnist Andrew Phillips described the move as “genius,” highlighting that even as King Charles continues his health treatments, his visit is a powerful and unmissable symbol of solidarity.
A Clear Message to Trump and the World
Many Canadian politicians share the belief that King Charles’ presence alone is a strong message that Canada is not and never will be a satellite of the United States.
Elizabeth May was especially blunt about the shift in Canadian attitudes toward America, saying the relationship has changed irreversibly.
“We regard the US now with deep suspicion,” she said.
While she acknowledges the King’s limits on what he can say publicly, she urged Prime Minister Starmer to be more vocal in defending Canadian sovereignty on the international stage.