King Charles Says Canada ‘Strong and Free’ as Trump Looms

AFP/APP

Ottawa: King Charles III hailed Canada as “strong and free” in a major speech to open parliament in Ottawa, delivered amid renewed rhetoric from US President Donald Trump about annexing the country.

“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,” King Charles said, emphasizing that Canada was facing a “critical moment.”

Drawing loud applause, the monarch echoed Canada’s national anthem:

“The true north is indeed strong and free!”

The 76-year-old British monarch, accompanied by Queen Camilla, was invited by Prime Minister Mark Carney to the capital. As Canada’s official head of state through its Commonwealth membership, King Charles’s words were closely analyzed for possible references to Trump’s recent statements.

Although the king has never directly addressed Trump’s recurring talk of turning Canada into the 51st US state, the tone and content of his speech were viewed by many as a subtle rebuttal.

It’s important to note that the speech, though read by King Charles, was authored by the Prime Minister’s Office to outline the government’s legislative priorities and its vision to “build Canada strong.”

King Charles also cautioned against economic nationalism and isolationism:

“The system of open global trade that, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, is changing,” he noted.

“We must be clear-eyed: the world is a more dangerous and uncertain place than at any point since the Second World War.”

Meanwhile, Trump reignited controversy on Tuesday through his TruthSocial platform, doubling down on his proposal to annex Canada. In his post, he offered Canadians access to his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system:

“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,” Trump claimed.

“They are considering the offer!”

As of now, there has been no official response from the Canadian government to Trump’s comments.