King Charles III landed in Ottawa to a frosty Canadian reception, not from the weather, but from President Trump’s annexation musings. His visit, a calculated move by Prime Minister Mark Carney, aims to flex Canada’s sovereign muscle. It’s a diplomatic slap, wrapped in royal pomp.
The Associated Press reported that on Monday, King Charles III and Queen Camilla touched down at Ottawa International Airport, greeted by Carney and Canada’s first Indigenous governor general, Mary Simon.
The visit, sparked by Trump’s repeated suggestions that the U.S. could annex Canada, is a bold reminder of Canada’s distinct identity. Carney invited the king to deliver a rare speech from the throne, set for May 27, to outline the government’s agenda.
A 25-member honor guard from the Royal Canadian Dragoons, where Charles serves as colonel-in-chief, stood sharp at the airport. The king, sporting a taupe suit and red tie, even dropped a ceremonial puck at a street hockey game at Lansdowne Park. It’s a nod to Canadian culture, but don’t mistake it for mere pageantry.
Canada, a constitutional monarchy since shedding British colonial status in 1867, leans on its parliamentary system and Commonwealth ties. Charles, as head of state, embodies this legacy, which Prime Minister Carney called “our enduring tradition and friendship.” Sounds noble, but it’s a polite jab at those eyeing Canada’s borders.
“Canada’s strength lies in building a strong future while embracing its English, French, and Indigenous roots,” Carney declared.
Nice words, but they dodge the real tension: Trump’s rhetoric has Canadians bristling, and this visit is less about unity than defiance. The progressive push for inclusivity feels like window dressing when sovereignty’s at stake.
The speech from the throne, a rarity last delivered by Queen Elizabeth II in 1977, is written by Carney’s government, not Charles or his U.K. advisers. As a nonpartisan head of state, the king’s role is symbolic, yet his presence screams Canada’s independence. It’s a tightrope, as historian Justin Vovk noted, balancing Commonwealth loyalty without alienating allies.
“Charles can only act with the consent and with the advice of his prime minister,” Vovk said. He added that Charles must avoid undermining other Commonwealth realms. It’s a diplomatic dance, and Canada’s making sure everyone hears the music.
Canadians, meanwhile, aren’t thrilled with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s invitation to Trump for a state visit.
“They weren’t impressed by that gesture, quite simply,” Carney said, pointing to Trump’s annexation threats. Actions have consequences, and Canada is drawing a line in the snow.
Spectator Norman MacDonald put it bluntly: “Canada is not, obviously, for sale.” His words echo a broader sentiment: Canadians reject the idea of becoming America’s 51st state. U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra’s claim that “sending messages isn’t necessary” feels tone-deaf when sovereignty’s on the table.
Hoekstra told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation that Canadians should “move on” from annexation talk. Easy for him to say, but when your neighbor eyes your backyard, you don’t just shrug. Charles’s visit, complete with Canadian military medals on display, is a deliberate counterpoint.
Queen Camilla’s swearing-in as a Canadian privy counsellor on May 26 added another layer of symbolism. The royal couple’s schedule, including a private meeting with Carney, keeps the focus on diplomacy.
Before departing on May 27, Charles was set to visit Canada’s National War Memorial, a somber nod to the nation’s sacrifices. “It is a very distinctive history,” royal historian Carolyn Harris said, noting Canada’s loyalist roots post-American Revolution. This visit, escorted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, is steeped in Canadian symbolism.
“We are different,” former Quebec Premier Jean Charest insisted, tying the throne speech to Canada’s unique story. He’s not wrong, but the emphasis on difference feels like a jab at progressive calls for globalism. Canada is holding fast to its roots while staring down external pressures.
Just days earlier, on May 20, Charles received the Key to Canada House in London, marking its centennial. The gesture, presented by High Commissioner Ralph Goodale, was a prelude to this high-stakes visit. It’s clear Canada’s not just waving its flag—it’s planting it firmly.
