King Charles Defends Canada’s Sovereignty in Historic Parliament Speech Amid Trump Annexation Comments

Report by Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

King Charles III delivered a powerful and symbolic address to Canada’s Parliament on Tuesday, reaffirming the nation’s sovereignty and values amid recent tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump. The speech marked the first time a monarch has opened a new session of Parliament since Queen Elizabeth II in 1957.

Without naming Trump directly, King Charles issued a subtle but pointed rebuke to the U.S. president’s controversial remarks about turning Canada into the “51st state.”

“The True North is indeed strong and free,” the King declared, invoking the national anthem and reinforcing Canada’s identity as an independent nation.

In his 20th official visit to Canada, King Charles praised the country’s commitment to democracy, rule of law, pluralism, and self-determination.

The monarch’s speech, crafted in coordination with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office, reflected Canada’s evolving identity and its cautious diplomacy with the United States.

King Charles spoke of building a future grounded in shared values and alliances:

“The Prime Minister and the U.S. President are working to reshape their relationship based on mutual respect and shared goals.”

While avoiding direct criticism of Trump, the King’s tone implied support for Canada’s independent stance and growing unease over Washington’s unpredictability.

Sitting beside Queen Camilla, the King reflected on Queen Elizabeth’s 1957 visit and reiterated Canada’s global role as a “force for good.”

Despite some opposition—including a boycott by the separatist Bloc Québécois, which criticized the King’s presence as inconsistent with Canadian sovereignty—the event was largely seen as a symbol of national unity.

“To assert Canada’s sovereignty, we reject a foreign king,” said Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet ahead of the speech.

The King received a warm welcome from Indigenous leaders, who highlighted the enduring treaties between First Nations and the British Crown.

“We are allies with a sacred perpetual relationship that cannot be broken,” said Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

Leaders from Inuit, Métis, and First Nations communities were present in the Senate to emphasize the continuing nation-to-nation relationship.