VICTORIA JONES/POOL/AFP via Getty King Charles is making a historic speech to the Canadian legislature, only the second monarch to open parliament this way The King and Queen Camilla are on a quick visit to Canada The King is in North America amid his ongoing rift with his son Prince Harry, who resides in California with Meghan Markle and their two children King Charlesis making a historic address to Canadians. Charles, 76, who is King of Canada and head of state, made the speech from the throne as he attended the State Opening of Parliament in Ottawa on May 27. It came on the secondday of a whirlwind visitlasting less than 24 hours alongsideQueen Camilla, 77, in the Canadian capital and is the centerpiece of his trip, Charles' first since becoming sovereign in September 2022. The royal couple was transported to the senate in the grandest of royal ways: in a landau carriage escorted by a troupe from theRoyal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ridein their bright red tunics. They arrived to a royal salute and a 100-person guard of honor. Inside, King Charles — who is still undergoingweekly cancer treatments— made his speech. ANDREJ IVANOV/POOL/AFP via Getty Speaking in both English and French, King Charles gave his speech, carefully navigating the sensitivities of the U.K.'s relationship with its other key North American ally, the United States. It all comes in the wake of Canadian Prime Minister Carney's recent election victory, which was widely seen as a rejection ofPresident Donald Trump's agenda, particularly his push for higher tariffs and his controversial remarks suggesting Canada could become the "51st state." The King said during the speech, "As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free!" King Charles addressed how Prime Minister Carney and President Trump "have begun defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the U.S., rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests, to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations." "In parallel, the Government is working to strengthen its relationships with reliable trading partners and allies around the world, recognizing that Canada has what the world needs and the values the world respects. Canada is ready to build a coalition of like-minded countries that share its values, that believe in international co-operation and the free and open exchange of goods, services, and ideas," he continued. "In this new, fast-evolving world, Canada is ready to lead." ANDREJ IVANOV/POOL/AFP via Getty The Governor General of Canada usually gives the speech from the throne on the monarch's behalf and sets out the government's agenda, and the speech has only been made by the sovereign once before — by Charles' late mother,Queen Elizabeth, who did so in October 1957. "When my dear late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, opened a new Canadian Parliament in 1957, the Second World War remained a fresh, painful memory. The Cold War was intensifying. Freedom and democracy were under threat. Canada was emerging as a growing economic power and a force for peace in the world. In the decades since, history has been punctuated by epoch-making events: the Vietnam War, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the start of the War on Terror." He continued that now, "Canada's relationships with partners are also changing. We must be clear-eyed: the world is a more dangerous and uncertain place than at any point since the Second World War." "Fundamental change is always unsettling. Yet this moment is also an incredible opportunity. An opportunity for renewal. An opportunity to think big and to act bigger. An opportunity for Canada to embark on the largest transformation of its economy since the Second World War. A confident Canada, which has welcomed new Canadians, including from some of the most tragic global conflict zones, can seize this opportunity by recognising that all Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away. And that by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians." Carney asked King Charles to give the speech this year. In doing so, the King is drawing on his extensive diplomatic experience gleaned from more than five decades of frontline public service. He must reflect the policies and priorities of the prime minister, demonstrating his solidarity with the government and the people of the nation he serves as head of state. IAN VOGLER/POOL/AFP via Getty After the Parliamentary ceremony, Charles and Camila were expected to be taken to the National War Memorial, where they paid their respects and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was the last formal event of the less than 24-hour visit. Shortly after arriving in the country on May 26, King Charles and Queen Camilla were given a clue as to how many Canadians viewed their appearance and support amid such pressure from their neighbor to the south. The royal couple were greeted by well-wishers in Landsdowne Park in Ottawa who called out "welcome home" to the man who was on his 20th official visit to the country and were thanked by others for coming. They then enjoyed a community event, at which they met Canadians representing organizations from across the country. They were thanked for coming by loyal Canadians, clearly proud of their head of state. AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via Getty The King then held an audience with Governor General Mary Simon before meeting with Carney. It was also a landmark day for Queen Camilla, as she was sworn in as a member of the Canadian Privy Council. The couple also planted a commemorative tree at Rideau Hall, the official residence of the governor general, near the sugar maple they planted there in 2017, and their day ended with a reception honoring Canada's 10 provincial lieutenant governors and three territorial commissioners. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! As King Charles touched down on the same continent where his estranged son Prince Harry lives, the prince hadquietly traveled to Shanghai, China, for a surprise appearance at a global travel and tourism conference. The Duke of Sussex, 40, lives in Montecito, California, with his wife,Meghan Markle, and their two children,Prince Archie, 6, andPrincess Lilibet, 3. AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via Getty Earlier this month,Harry spoke withBBC Newsjust hours after losing a legal challenge over his downgraded U.K. security, which was reduced after he stepped back as a working royal in 2020. "I would love reconciliation with my family. There's no point in continuing to fight anymore," the Duke of Sussex said then. Read the original article onPeople
