King Charles III and Camilla are in Canada to open the country’s parliament (Yahoo News UK)
King Charles III is in Canada at the invitation of Prime Minister Mark Carney to officially open the country’s parliament.
His Majesty will become the first monarch to undertake the role in almost 70 years, after his mother Queen Elizabeth II did so back in 1957.
In the capital Ottawa on Tuesday 27 May, he will deliver the traditional “speech from the throne” as the head of state in both French and English.
It will be written on the advice of the country’s government and likely to be very affirmative of Canadian sovereignty.
He will no doubt add his own personal touches, but will have to balance a message of total solidarity with Canada whilst ensuring he does not jeopardising the UK’s relationship with the US.
The request for the King’s presence from Mr Carney could be seen as being a strategic move given the issues created by comments by Donald Trump, where he intimated that he would like to annex Canada to become the 51st state of America.
Strategic invitation
The invitation from the PM of Canada was one that King Charles was always going to be really keen to accept, given that he is very much a supporter of Canada and its citizens.
Former Bank of England governor Mr Carney’s Liberal Party election victory was fuelled in many ways by its fierce opposition to Donald Trump and his unpredictable ideas.
The PM said the King’s visit “clearly underscores the sovereignty of our country” and that comment could definitely be seen as indicating some strategic thought processes at play.
Less formal occasion
The the new parliamentary session is usually opened by the governor general, who reads the “Speech from the Throne” on behalf of the PM and for the King, this will certainly be a lower-key event compared to the high pomp of the Westminster state opening of Parliament, but some might say that is not a bad thing.
King Charles III – on his first visit to Canada since the start of his reign – will be in suited rather than dressed in gown and crown.
He will deliver a carefully worded speech, which is expected to last somewhere between 25 and 30 minutes, with a large chunk of the content referring to the government’s legislative plans.
Continued independence likely to be key theme
There are likely to be references to the importance of Canada’s First Nations communities, and he will shy away from any direct dig at Mr Trump, but he will also not be intimidated by the US President’s comments.
Therefore, he is highly likely to personalise the speech, with it predicted that he will ensure that at some point the word “never” will come into use, with regards to the country losing its independence.
Highly skilled orator
His majesty is held in high regard around the globe and across the political spectrum, with good relations with world leaders who understand his unique position.
He is also vastly experienced in these matters and has great skill in walking a “diplomatic tightrope” as a royal source once said.
“Celebration” for Canadians
Steven Guilbeault, Canada’s minister of identity and culture, said: “His Majesty’s delivery of the Speech from the Throne to open the 45th Parliament is a momentous occasion – one that brings Canadians together in celebration of our rich history, our democracy and the institutions that serve us all.
“This visit offers an opportunity to showcase the special relationship between Canada and the Crown, while also highlighting the strength, diversity and unity that define us on the world stage.”
Accusation of contradictory actions
Not everybody sees it that way though, with Peter Donolo, a director of the Canadian International Council think tank, rejecting the notion and calling it a contradiction.
“On one hand they’re using Charles in the UK to curry favour with the Americans and then it seems our government wants to use him to stand up for Canada – you can’t have it both ways,” he said.
Hoping to have an impact
The King’s short visit will see him and Queen Camilla celebrating the country’s cultural heritage and diversity at a community event on his first day, before being guests at a short reception for Lieutenant Governors, from Canada’s 10 Canadian provinces, and the Territorial Commissioners from the three territories.
He will regard these events every bit as important as the role he is to play the following day.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “The King and Queen are very much looking forward to the programme, mindful that it is a short visit, but hopefully an impactful one.”
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