KING Charles III said Canada is facing ‘unprecedented challenges’ during a speech opening the Canadian Parliament today.
The speech was seen as a show of support for Canada following Trump’s threats to annex the country.
Charles was asked to deliver the throne speech by Prime Minister Mark Carney, where the government presented its agenda for the upcoming session of Parliament.
The King is the head of state in Canada, which is a member of the Commonwealth of former colonies.
In French, Charles said: “We must face reality: since the Second World War, our world has never been more dangerous and unstable.
“Canada is facing challenges that, in our lifetimes, are unprecedented.”
He added that many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them.
He expressed admiration for Canada’s “unique identity” rooted in bravery and sacrifice to defend their national values.
This identity is also tied to the “diversity and kindness of Canadians.”
Reflecting on the nation’s transformation over the 70 years since Queen Elizabeth II initially inaugurated Parliament, he noted: “Canada has undergone significant changes, including bringing its constitution under full national control, attaining complete independence, and experiencing substantial growth.”
“Canada has embraced its British, French, and Indigenous heritage, evolving into a vibrant, forward-thinking, and creative nation that is bilingual and genuinely multicultural.”
Reflecting on his mother’s post-War speech, he said: “Freedom and democracy were under threat.
“Today, Canada faces another critical moment.
Charles said that the Canadian government is determined to protect democracy and freedom.
This will be achieved by reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces and the ReArm Europe plan.
Former Canadian Prime Ministers Justin Trudeau and Stephen Harper were among those in attendance.
The speech isn’t written by the King or his U.K. advisers as Charles serves as a nonpartisan head of state.
He read what was put before him by Canada’s government, but makes some remarks of his own.
Carney, the new prime minister and a former head of the Bank of England, and Canadas first Indigenous governor general, Mary Simon, the King’s representative in Canada, met with Charles on Monday.
Carney has showed determination to confront Trump’s growing aggression towards Canada.
The King said that Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians.
More than 75% of Canada’s exports go to the U.S. and Carney is eager to diversify trade.
The King said that among the priorities for the government is protection of the French language and Quebec culture, which are at the heart of Canadian identity.
He said: “They define the country that Canadians, and I, love so much. Canada is a country where official and Indigenous languages are respected and celebrated.”
The government is committed to protecting the institutions that promote these cultures and this identity throughout the world, such as CBC/Radio-Canada.
A horse-drawn carriage accompanied by 28 horses, 14 before and 14 after, took the King and queen to the Senate of Canada Building for the speech.
The King will return to the U.K. after the speech and a visit to Canada’s National War Memorial.
