King Charles expresses love for Canada, says it will remain ‘strong and free’

OTTAWA: King Charles, speaking during a symbolic visit to show support for Canada at a time it has faced US annexation threats, on Tuesday expressed his love for Canada and said the country would remain “strong and free”.

Charles, Canada’s head of state, is the first British monarch in almost 70 years to preside over the opening of the Canadian parliament.

In a speech, Charles referred to the “the country that Canadians and I love so much” but made no direct reference to US President Donald Trump, who has imposed tariffs on Canadian exports and muses about turning Canada into the 51st US state.

“The True North is indeed strong and free,” Charles said, referring to the Canadian national anthem.

The speech outlining the government’s plans for the next session was largely written by officials working for Prime Minister Mark Carney. But Charles was responsible for the comments about his love for Canada.

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King Charles III was set to land in Ottawa Monday for a historic visit to open Canada’s parliament, a brief trip seen as part of the pushback against US President Donald Trump’s annexation threats.

The 76-year-old monarch, who is also Canada’s head of state as part of the Commonwealth, was invited by Prime Minister Mark Carney to deliver the throne speech, an address that outlines the government’s priorities.

The speech is typically given by the British monarch’s representative in Canada, the governor general.

Queen Elizabeth II, the king’s late mother, delivered a throne speech in Canada just twice during her long reign, in 1957 and 1977.

Charles, making his first visit to Canada since his coronation, has never commented on Trump’s repeated talk of making Canada the 51st US state.