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By Gabe Whisnant
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In a historic address to Canada's Parliament today, King Charles III reaffirmed the nation's sovereignty, declaring it "strong and free" amid escalating tensions with the United States. This rare intervention by the monarch comes in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestions about annexing Canada as the 51st state.
Delivering the Speech from the Throne—a duty last performed by a reigning monarch in Canada nearly five decades ago—King Charles emphasized Canada's resilience and independence, drawing from the national anthem to underscore his message.
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Context
The Ottawa speech is not authored by King Charles or his advisers in the U.K., as he serves in a ceremonial, nonpartisan role as head of state. While he delivers the text prepared by Canada's government, he typically adds a few personal remarks of his own.
The King's visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Mark Carney, is widely interpreted as a symbolic assertion of Canada's autonomy and a subtle rebuke to external pressures.
It's uncommon for the monarch to deliver Canada's speech from the throne; Charles' mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did so only twice—in 1957 and 1977.
What to Know
In a high-stakes Oval Office meeting earlier this month, Carney firmly rebuffed Trump's recurring suggestion that Canada become the 51st U.S. state. Carney asserted, "Canada is not for sale," emphasizing the nation's sovereignty. Trump, maintaining his stance, responded with, "Never say never," but acknowledged that such a union would require mutual agreement, stating, "It takes two to tango." Despite the tension, the meeting began cordially, with Trump congratulating Carney on his recent election victory and praising him as a "very good person."
In addition, the U.S.-Canada trade war remains unresolved, with both nations maintaining significant tariffs on each other's goods. The U.S. imposed 25 percent tariffs on most Canadian imports and 10 percent on energy products in February, citing national security concerns and aiming to reduce the trade deficit. Canada responded with retaliatory tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S. goods, escalating to $155 billion after three weeks. These measures have disrupted longstanding cross-border economic cooperation, leading to market volatility and strained diplomatic relations.
While King Charles' speech outlined the Carney government's agenda, including commitments to democracy, Indigenous rights, and environmental stewardship, it also served to highlight Canada's distinct identity on the global stage. Observers note that the King's presence and remarks aim to reinforce national unity and confidence in Canada's future as a sovereign nation.
"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," Charles said in French.
He added that "many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them."
New U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra said Canadians should move past the "51st state" rhetoric, telling the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. that sending symbolic messages to the U.S. is unnecessary. "If there's a message to be sent," he said, "there are easier ways to do that—like calling me or calling the president."
What People Are Saying
On Tuesday, President Trump said Canada can either pay $61 billion to be covered by the proposed U.S. "Golden Dome" missile defense system or become the 51st state and be covered for free.
The president posted on Truth Social, "I told Canada, which very much wants to be part of our fabulous Golden Dome System, that it will cost $61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation, but will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State. They are considering the offer!"
Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University, told the AP: "There are different ways to 'send a message' and a phone call is only of them. The king would normally add his own short introductory remarks and observers will be listening to them very carefully with the issue of Canada's sovereignty in mind."
King Charles recalled that when his late mother opened a new session of Canadian Parliament in 1957, memories of World War II were still fresh and painful, and the Cold War was growing more intense: "Freedom and democracy were under threat. Today, Canada faces another critical moment. Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the government is determined to protect."
What Happens Next
King Charles also stated that the Canadian government is committed to safeguarding the nation's sovereignty by rebuilding, rearming, and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces.
"It will stimulate the Canadian military industry by participating in the 'ReArm Europe' plan and will thus contribute, together with European partners, to trans-Atlantic security. And it will invest to strengthen its presence in the North, as this region, which is an integral part of the Canadian nation, faces new threats," the king said.
This article contains reporting by The Associated Press.
Update: 5/27/25, 12:58 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and remarks.
Update: 5/27/25, 1:55 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and remarks.
Update: 5/27/25, 6:22 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and remarks.
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