Overview

• The monarch’s speech defended Canada’s territorial integrity and sovereignty during a formal Parliament session, directly addressing political and economic pressures from the United States.
• Charles delivered the address in Ottawa during his 20th visit to Canada but first as monarch, with representatives from native nations invited to underscore the ceremony’s symbolism.
• The king criticized US-imposed tariffs and urged support for free global trade as essential to shared economic and security interests.
• He echoed Prime Minister Mark Carney’s “Canada is not for sale” declaration from a recent White House meeting, reinforcing the message of national autonomy.
• The speech highlighted domestic urgencies including fentanyl trafficking, immigration concerns, growing social inequalities.