"The Great North is indeed strong and free": Charles III defends Canada's sovereignty against Donald Trump's threats

" Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination and freedom are values ​​that Canadians hold dear, values ​​that the government is determined to protect," the King said in a speech for the reopening of Parliament, the highlight of a highly symbolic visit to Canada.

The new Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, wanted to make this two-day visit, seen as a "historic honour" , a demonstration of sovereignty in the face of its southern neighbour and Donald Trump's ambitions to make Canada the 51st American state.

A possibility raised again on Tuesday by the White House tenant.

"I told Canada, which really wants to be part of our fabulous Gold Dome, that it will cost them $61 billion to remain a separate nation (...) but that it will cost them NOTHING to become our beloved 51st state," the American president wrote on his Truth Social network, referring to his missile shield project. He assured that Ottawa was "studying" this offer.

It was at Mr. Carney's invitation that Charles III made the exceptional trip for this speech, which is normally delivered by the representative of the British Crown in Canada, the Governor General.

Although King Charles III delivered the speech - in English and even at times in French - as if it were his own words, it was actually written by the Prime Minister's office and aimed to detail the program of the new center-left government, in place since the legislative elections of April 28.

The election campaign had been entirely focused on the American president and his trade and political threats.

Since becoming Prime Minister in March, Mark Carney, a technocrat with no political experience , has repeatedly insisted that Canada will not give in. And this Speech from the Throne has reiterated this point once again, in cautious diplomatic language.

"Canada is facing challenges that are unprecedented in our lifetimes," said Charles III, speaking of a "decisive moment."

The current upheavals represent an "incredible opportunity" for the country to "forge new alliances and a new economy to serve its entire population," the king added.

The country is "ready to build a coalition of nations" that believe "in international cooperation and the free exchange of goods, services and ideas," he added, as Donald Trump continues to brandish threats of tariffs.

"Message to Trump"

The speech concluded with an allusion to the Canadian national anthem, recalling that "the Great North is indeed strong and free," triggering long applause in the Senate chamber.

"Our sovereignty is strong," Mark Carney then stressed.

Under a blue sky, Charles III shook hands at length with people gathered along a security fence, smiling and saying a word to each one. He then attended a final ceremony with his wife Camilla before leaving Canadian soil.

On Tuesday morning, thousands of people of all ages gathered along the procession route to catch a glimpse of the royal couple in their horse-drawn ceremonial carriage.

In a festive atmosphere, they waved Canadian flags and the Union Jack, the British banner.

Kirsten Hanson, 44, welcomed the royal support. "If he can do anything to demonstrate Canada's sovereignty, that's fantastic," she told AFP. "Nobody wants to be absorbed into the United States."

The king's visit is a "message to Donald Trump" to show him that "Canada is not alone in this fight," explained Félix Mathieu, a professor at the University of Quebec in Outaouais. "It's extraordinary because it's only the third time the sovereign has read this speech."

Indeed, Elizabeth II, King Charles's mother, only came to deliver the throne speech twice during her long reign, in 1957 and 1977.

"Canada has been given a bit of a rough ride lately" by the American president, says Tom Fleming. For the 83-year-old, it is therefore "very important" that Charles and Camilla "show up and make their presence felt."