On the 27th (local time), Charles III attended the opening ceremony of the Canadian Parliament as the King of the United Kingdom for the first time in 48 years and delivered 'The Speech from the Throne.' This is interpreted as a response to President Donald Trump's threat to 'make Canada the 51st state of the United States.'
According to Reuters and others, Charles III, who is visiting Canada, actively expressed the identity of Canada as a sovereign nation during a parliamentary speech held in Ottawa on this day. Charles III is also the King of Canada, a Commonwealth nation that serves the British monarch.
Charles III said, 'Canada is facing another significant moment today,' and noted, 'Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values that Canadians cherish and that the government must protect.'
He continued, 'The open global trading system that has brought prosperity to Canadians over the past few decades is changing,' and mentioned that 'the relationship between Canada and its partner countries is also changing.'
He also stated, 'Many Canadians feel anxiety and concern about the rapidly changing world,' adding, 'Fundamental changes always create a sense of unease.' This is interpreted as a veiled reference to the actions of the Trump administration.
'The Speech from the Throne' is a speech in which the monarch announces the opening of Parliament and explains the government's direction in policy, corresponding to the 'King's Speech' of the British monarch. Charles III's mother, the late Elizabeth II, delivered the 'Speech from the Throne' only twice during her reign of over 70 years, in 1957 and 1977.
Just as the British 'King's Speech' is prepared by the British government, it is reported that much of the content of Charles III's 'The Speech from the Throne' was also written by the Canadian government. However, Charles III will take responsibility for the content of the remarks.
Support for the monarchy in Canada has been rapidly declining, but the situation has reversed since President Trump’s inauguration as anti-American sentiment has surged. According to a recent survey conducted by the Canadian polling firm Ipsos Reid, 66% of respondents said they believe 'the relationship between Canada and the monarchy is useful.'