A first in Canada since 1977

The last time the head of the British monarchy addressed the Canadian Parliament was in 1977, when Queen Elizabeth II did so.

King Charles delivered a speech on the occasion of the opening of the 45th legislative session of the Canadian Parliament. As he holds the title of King of Canada in addition to being King of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, King Charles sat on the throne reserved for the King and Queen in Parliament alongside Queen Camilla.

In his address, referred to as a "speech from the throne," King Charles stated that Canada has undergone significant changes since the speeches delivered by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1957 and 1977.

In his speech, delivered in both English and French, King Charles emphasized that Canada is now a fully independent, multicultural country with a unique identity, built upon the roots of British, French, and Indigenous peoples.

"CANADA FACES CHALLENGES"

In his speech, which took place during a visit carrying messages of support for Canada's sovereignty and its place within the Commonwealth in response to US President Donald Trump's remarks about making Canada the 51st state, Charles stated that the global trade system is changing and that, in this context, Canada's relationships with its partners are being redefined.

King Charles said, "Canada is facing challenges unseen in our lifetime. Many Canadians are concerned about this situation. However, this period also presents an extraordinary opportunity. An opportunity for renewal. An opportunity to think big and take even bigger steps."

Addressing members of the Senate and the House of Commons, Charles stated, "This is an opportunity for Canada to initiate the greatest transformation in its economy since the Second World War." King Charles said that Canada could build new alliances and a new economy while remaining true to its own values.

CANADA-US RELATIONS

Touching upon relations with the US, King Charles said that the Canadian Prime Minister and the US President have begun to define a new economic and security relationship between the two countries. Emphasizing that the relationship between Canada and the US is based on mutual respect and shared interests, Charles said, "The relations aim to provide transformational benefits for both sovereign nations."

Addressing the issue of border security, which the US has cited as one of the reasons for increasing tariffs on Canada, Charles announced that the Canadian government would take measures to enhance border security. Charles also stated that the Canadian government would restructure its armed forces to protect Canada's sovereignty.

King Charles concluded his speech by referencing the lyrics of the Canadian national anthem, saying, "The True North, indeed strong and free."