King Charles on Wednesday delivered a speech to the Canada’s parliament.
Speaking during a symbolic visit to show support for Canada at a time it has faced annexation threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, Charles expressed his love for the country, which he described as “strong and free”.
The speech outlining the government’s plans for the next session was largely written by officials working for Prime Minister Mark Carney. But Charles was responsible for the comments about his love for Canada.
“Every time I come to Canada … a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream – and from there straight to my heart,” said the monarch, accompanied by his wife Queen Camilla.
Charles referred to “the country that Canadians and I love so much” but made no direct reference to Trump, who has imposed tariffs on Canadian exports and muses about turning Canada into the 51st U.S. state.
The king said from his throne, “The prime minister and the president of the United States have begun to found a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the United States. Rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations”
King Charles is in Canada’s for a highly symbolic visit showing support for the nation that recognises him as its sovereign but is coveted by U.S. President Donald Trump as a 51st U.S. state.
Following an invitation from Carney, Charles opened parliament, the first time a British monarch has carried out the duty since his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth, did so 68 years ago.
Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to annex Canada, a proposition fiercely rebuffed by Carney, whose election win last month came partly on the back of that stance.
Charles has made subtle signals of his backing for Canada in recent months, wearing Canadian medals, calling himself the king of Canada, and describing its flag as “a symbol that never fails to elicit a sense of pride and admiration.”
