King Charles visits Canada to affirm sovereignty amid Trump row
King Charles III is beginning his first visit to Canada as a monarch. This event is meant to underscore Canada's sovereignty and is interpreted as a significant message for Donald Trump.
What do you need to know?
- King Charles III is visiting Canada for the first time as a monarch, which is meant to emphasise the country's sovereignty.
- The government's address will be read by the King in parliament in Ottawa, an unprecedented event since 1977.
- The visit is intended as a signal to Donald Trump, who described Canada as the "51st state."
On Monday, King Charles III, the formal head of the Canadian state, will begin his first visit to the country as a monarch. The following day, he will deliver the government's address in parliament in Ottawa, known as the "speech from the throne," which will inaugurate the new parliamentary session. This speech is typically delivered by the governor general, who represents the British monarch in Canada.
The last time a head of state, namely Queen Elizabeth II, presented the government's address was in 1977.
The visit of Charles III occurs at the invitation of Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney, where it is interpreted as a show of support from the monarch for this country, whose sovereignty was recently questioned by Donald Trump. The US President has repeatedly called Canada the "51st state of the United States."
Reactions to the King's visit in Canada
The visit of King Charles III to Canada is being hailed as "historic" and "spectacular." Former Canadian diplomat Jeremy Kinsman, in an interview with the BBC, expressed hope that Donald Trump will understand the significance of this event. The broadcaster emphasises that the visit is intended to send a message to Trump and the entire world, as well as to improve relations with the former US president, who is a known fan of the British monarchy.
