King Charles III is making an official visit to Canada to deliver a message emphasizing Canada's sovereignty as a distinct nation separate from the United States. This visit comes in light of former U.S. President Donald Trump's recurring suggestions that the U.S. should annex Canada, which prompted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to invite the king to address the nation during the upcoming speech from the throne.

In Canada, the monarch serves as the head of state and is part of the British Commonwealth. Prime Minister Carney expressed that “Canada has a steadfast defender in our sovereign” when announcing the visit, aiming to reinforce the notion of Canada's independence. It is noteworthy that Canadian identity is distinct, particularly in its historical and institutional differences from the U.S., which had a revolution for independence from Britain. Canada remained a colony until 1867 and continues to function within a constitutional monarchy framework.

The impending visit by King Charles III is remarkable, given that it is rare for a reigning monarch to deliver a speech from the throne in Canada. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, only performed this duty on two occasions during her 70-year reign, the last being in 1977. Despite a general indifference towards the monarchy among Canadians, Prime Minister Carney aims to highlight these differences between Canada and the United States, stating, “We are not the United States.”

Former Quebec Premier Jean Charest echoed this sentiment, articulating how the visit embodies the essence of Canadian identity and sovereignty. He stated, “We are a different country with a different choice in terms of how we built ourselves, and King Charles tells that story,” emphasizing that Canada’s historical path diverges from that of the United States.

This upcoming visit marks King Charles's first official trip as monarch; however, he previously visited Canada 19 times as a prince. In recent months, he has showcased his support for the nation, such as donning Canadian military medals during a Royal Navy aircraft carrier visit. Historian Robert Bothwell remarked that the king's speech would symbolize unity and identity, affirming his allegiance to Canada.

However, the new U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, downplayed the necessity of the king’s visit, suggesting that messages could be conveyed more simply via direct communication between leaders. He indicated that any implications regarding annexation suggestions have been resolved, urging all parties involved to move forward.

The Significance of the Speech from the Throne

The speech from the throne is pivotal as it outlines the legislative agenda for the forthcoming session of Parliament. Contrary to common assumptions, the speech is not crafted by King Charles or his advisers; rather, it is prepared by Canada’s Prime Minister and his team. Usually, the governor general, the monarch’s representative in Canada, delivers this address. While the king may not address the 51st state debate directly, political science professor Daniel Béland noted that his remarks could include affirmations regarding Canada’s integrity and sovereignty, which many Canadians hope for.

The event is expected to host former Canadian prime ministers and governors general, after which King Charles will pay homage at the National War Memorial, followed by a Royal Canadian Air Force flyby. The reception of this visit may vary, especially in Quebec, where the monarchy has traditionally faced unpopularity among the French-speaking majority. Some nationalist elements in Quebec have expressed dissent regarding the decision to invite the king, yet Charest remains unconcerned, noting that British institutions have historically served well in the province.