King Charles has warned Canada is facing a “critical moment” in its history, with the world a “more dangerous and uncertain place”.
Charles delivered an address written by the Canadian government that said prime minister Mark Carney’s administration would bond with “reliable trading partners and allies”, a move that follows Donald Trump’s economic tactics.
He is the first British monarch in almost 70 years to preside over the opening of the Canadian parliament.
Many Canadians have seen the King’s two-day visit to Ottawa as a symbol of support for the nation that has faced the unwanted attention of Mr Trump’s trade war against his neighbour and threats to annex Canada.
After highlighting worrying periods from the past, Charles said: “Today, Canada faces another critical moment. 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.
“The system of open global trade that, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, is changing. 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.
“Canada is facing challenges that are unprecedented in our lifetimes.”
Key Points
- 'Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power', Charles says
- Canada at ‘critical moment’: What did Charles say in his speech?
- It's the first time a king has opened a new session of parliament
- Inviting the King has been viewed as strategic
- King and Queen urged to seek an apology for the historical abuse of British Children
Tense relationship with the US
18:04 , Jabed AhmedThe new US ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, said that sending messages to the US isn’t necessary and Canadians should move on from the 51st state talk.
He told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. that if there’s a message to be sent, there are easier ways to do that, such as calling him or calling the president.
“There are different ways to ‘send a message’ and a phone call is only of them," said Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University.
"The king would normally add his own short introductory remarks and observers will be listening to them very carefully with the issue of Canada’s sovereignty in mind.”
The king said that among the priorities for the government is the protection of the French language and Quebec culture, which are at the heart of Canadian identity.
“They define the country that Canadians, and I, love so much. Canada is a country where official and Indigenous languages are respected and celebrated,” he said.
“The government is committed to protecting the institutions that promote these cultures and this identity throughout the world, such as CBC/Radio-Canada.”
He also said that Canada must protect Quebec's dairy supply management industry.
Trump attacked the industry in trade talks.
Charles' speech a rare moment in Candian history
17:44 , Jabed AhmedIt's rare for the monarch to deliver what’s called the speech from the throne in Canada. Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did it twice before in 1957 and 1977.
”I have always had the greatest admiration for Canada’s unique identity, which is recognized across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defense of national values, and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians," he said.
Charles, on his 20th visit to Canada, noted that it has been nearly 70 years since his mother first opened Parliament.
"In the time since, Canada has dramatically changed: repatriating its constitution, achieving full independence, and witnessing immense growth. Canada has embraced its British, French, and Indigenous roots, and become a bold, ambitious, innovative country that is bilingual, truly multicultural,” the monarch said.
Recap | What did Charles say in his speech?
17:17 , Jabed AhmedThe King has warned Canada is facing a “critical moment” in its history, with the world a “more dangerous and uncertain place” in a speech to open the nation’s parliament.
Charles told the parliament “self-determination” was among a number of values Canada held dear and the government was “determined to protect”.
In only the second state opening of parliament speech delivered by a monarch, the King told the politicians gathered in the Senate Building the crown was a “symbol of unity for Canada”.
After highlighting worrying periods from the past, Charles said: “Today, Canada faces another critical moment. 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.
“The system of open global trade that, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, is changing. 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.
“Canada is facing challenges that are unprecedented in our lifetimes.”
He said in his speech lasting 26 minutes delivered in English and French: “The Prime Minister and the President of the United States, for example, have begun defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the US, 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, recognising that Canada has what the world needs and the values the world respects.”
Canada sets an example to the world as a 'force for good.'
16:51 , Rebecca WhittakerThe King has now concluded his speech by saying Canada sets an example to the world as a “force for good.”
He thanked the people of Canada for his and Queen Camilla's "warm welcome".
Charles ended the speech by saying: "As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free!"
'Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power'
16:47 , Rebecca Whittaker“All Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away,” the King said.
It comes after Canada faced unwanted attention from Mr Trump who launched a trade war against his neighbour and made threats to annex the country as America’s 51st state.
'Uniting behind what makes Canada unique'
16:44 , Rebecca WhittakerCanadians are "uniting behind what makes Canada unique" during a time of "great change", the King said.
He said the government is "determined to protect" the institutions which bring these to the world, such as Radio Canada.
He also says the government will protect Canada's nature "more than ever before".
Carney government's policies
16:40 , Rebecca WhittakerThe speech has also covered the policy priorities of Prime Minister Carney's new government.
The King has revealed some upcoming changes to homebuying credits, childcare costs and pharmacare that will save people hundred’s of dollars a year.
'Canada’s relationships with partners are also changing.'
16:38 , Rebecca WhittakerReferring to Canada's recent relationship with the US, the King said: "Canada’s relationships with partners are also changing."
"Canada is facing challenges that are unprecedented in our lifetimes. Many Canadians are feeling anxious", he says.
"Yet this moment is also an incredible opportunity. An opportunity for renewal. An opportunity to think big and to act bigger," he says.
"An opportunity for Canada to embark on the largest transformation of its economy since the Second World War."
'We will unleash a new era of growth', says King
16:36 , Rebecca WhittakerThe King spoke about trade saying that by removing barriers that have held back the Canadian economy, "we will unleash a new era of growth that will ensure we don’t just survive ongoing trade wars, but emerge from them stronger than ever".
Canada at 'critical moment' says King
16:34 , Rebecca WhittakerCanada is facing 'unprecedented challenges'
16:28 , Rebecca Whittaker"Today, Canada faces another critical moment. 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," Says King Charles
King Charles has arrived and will start his speech in a few minutes
15:53 , Rebeca WhittakerThe King is set to start his speech in the next few minutes.
The King will read what is put before him by Canada's prime minister and his team. The speech is usually read by Canada's governor general, the monarch's representative in Canada.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pictured with the king in his throne
15:46 , Rebecca WhittakerCanadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stand next to Britain's King Charles at the Senate of Canada Building in Ottawa.
Watch : King Charles arrives for historic speech
15:41 , Rebecca WhittakerThe Canadian Senate is full before King's speech
15:38 , Rebecca WhittakerThe Canadian Senate is packed as people wait for King Charles to enter.
When he arrives, he is due read the speech written by the government in English and French.
King Charles arrives to 'God Save the King'
15:32 , Rebecca WhittakerThe King and Queen have arrived at Canada’s Senate to cheers of “God Save the King”.
His arrival is followed by the firing of cannons 21 times.
Images of the thrones commissioned in 2017
15:27 , Rebecca WhittakerImages of the thrones commissioned in 2017 and built with English walnut wood from Great Windsor Park donated by Queen Elizabeth II.
King Charles pictured arriving with Queen Camilla
15:21 , Rebecca Whittaker
Live: King Charles opens Canadian parliament amid Trump tensions
15:18 , Rebecca WhittakerKing Charles arrives for his speech
15:12 , Rebecca Whittaker
Prime Minister Mark Carney has arrived at the Senate
15:10 , Rebecca WhittakerPrime Minister Mark Carney and his wife Diana Fox Carney have arrived at the Senate for the speech.
What we know about the King's historic visit
15:07 , Rebecca Whittaker- The King will be the second monarch, after Queen Elizabeth II, to open Canada's parliament and deliver the speech outlining the government's legislative agenda.
- The visit comes after the Liberal Party's recent election win, partly attributed to their opposition to former US President Donald Trump.
- The royal couple's itinerary includes celebrating Canada's cultural diversity, meeting with key figures like Governor General Mary Simon and Prime Minister Mark Carney, and attending a reception for provincial and territorial representatives.
- The visit aims to highlight the relationship between Canada and the Crown, as well as Canada's strength and diversity.
Trudeau spotted in pair of Adidas Gazelles
15:05 , Rebecca WhittakerMargaret Trudeau and Former Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau arrive ahead of an appearance by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
But Trudeau has been spotted wearing a pair of Adidas Gazelles.
Prime Minister speaks in House of Commons ahead of King's speech
15:00 , Rebecca Whittaker“This House has rules and traditions. They are the basis of our democracy, and we will uphold them,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said.
It’s an honour to rise in the House of Commons for the first time.
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) May 27, 2025
This House has rules and traditions. They are the basis of our democracy, and we will uphold them. pic.twitter.com/v7bbhQZr6e
King 'deeply shocked and saddened' by Liverpool crash
14:46 , Rebecca WhittakerThe King said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the crash during Liverpool’s Premier League title parade.
He said: “It is truly devastating to see that what should have been a joyous celebration for many could end in such distressing circumstances.
“At this heartbreaking time for the people of Liverpool, I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need.
“Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with all those who have been affected, and my special gratitude goes out to the first responders, emergency services personnel and other individuals who rushed to the aid of the injured.”
Read about the Liverpool car crash unfolded here:
How Liverpool car crash unfolded after vehicle ploughs into fans during parade
'Best of Canada was on display this afternoon', says Prime Minister
14:45 , Rebecca WhittakerPrime Minister Mark Carney shared the events at at Lansdowne Park on social media site X.
The best of Canada was on display this afternoon at Lansdowne Park.
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) May 27, 2025
Proud to accompany Their Majesties around Ottawa and show them what makes our country strong: our heritage, our diversity, and our people. pic.twitter.com/OrhvXPh6IF
Crowds gather to see the King
14:30 , Rebecca WhittakerCrowds gather for the arrival of Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla in Ottawa.
Why is King Charles III delivering a rare speech in Canada – and is it an act of defiance against Trump?
14:00 , Rebecca WhittakerThe visit, at the invitation of new Prime Minister Mark Carney, comes in response to repeated suggestions by US President Donald Trump that the US should annex its northern neighbour.
Read more by Rob Gillies here:
The visit is a 'reminder of the bond between Canada and the Crown', says Prime Minister
13:30 , Rebecca WhittakerIn a statement released ahead of their arrival, Prime Minister Mark Carney said: “The royal visit is a reminder of the bond between Canada and the Crown – one forged over generations, shaped by shared histories, and grounded in common values.
“A bond that, over time, has evolved, just as Canada has, to reflect the strength, diversity, and confidence of our people.
“Tomorrow, His Majesty King Charles III will deliver the Speech from the Throne in the Senate Chamber, nearly 70 years after Canada’s Sovereign first opened Parliament.
“This historic honour matches the weight of our times. It speaks to our enduring tradition and friendship, to the vitality of our constitutional monarchy and our distinct identity, and to the historic ties that crises only fortify.”
King and Queen urged to seek an apology for the historical abuse of British Children
13:00 , Rebecca WhittakerThe King and Queen have been urged to use their visit to Canada to seek an apology for the historical abuse of British Children.
Between 1869 and 1948, more than 100,000 children were shipped to orphan homes in Canada from the UK.
But many of these children were used as cheap labour- such as farm workers and domestic servants. Some were also mistreated and abused.
However, Canada has not followed the UK and Australia in apologising for its involvement in child migrant schemes.
Canada has resisted calls to follow the UK and Australia in apologising for its involvement in child migrant schemes.
Campaigners for the Home Children told Sky News that the royal visit is a "great opportunity" for a change of heart.
"I would ask that King Charles uses his trip to request an apology," John Jefkins told the broadcaster.
King Charles visit to Canada in pictures
12:40 , Rebecca Whittaker
What will the French in Quebec think of the speech?
12:20 , Rebecca WhittakerThe monarchy has long been unpopular among Quebec’s French-speaking majority. Some nationalist voices in the province have been critical of the Carney government’s decision to invite the king to deliver the throne speech, Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal said.
"Whether the separatists work themselves into a lather over this frankly, I don’t care. I don’t think Quebecers will care a lot,” said Charest, the former premier of Quebec.
“The may not like the monarchy or whatever they’d like to read into it, but British institutions have served us very well.”
Will the King comment on the 51st state issue?
12:00 , Rebecca WhittakerThe King is set to read what is put before him by Canada's prime minister and his team. The speech is usually read by Canada's governor general, the monarch's representative in Canada.
Canada has faced repeat comments from Trump about making Canada the 51st US state, but experts say it’s unlikely Charles will address this.
“King Charles is unlikely to comment directly on the 51st state issue. Yet, his introductory remarks could feature broad statements about Canada’s integrity and sovereignty. At least this is what many Canadians would like him to do," said Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal.
King Charles to warn ‘Canada is not for sale’ during Ottawa trip after Trump threats
11:40 , Rebecca WhittakerThe King is set to warn that “Canada is not for sale” during his upcoming trip to the country in the face of threats from Donald Trump, the Canadian high commissioner has said.
Read more by Tara Cobham here:
King Charles to warn ‘Canada is not for sale’ during Ottawa trip after Trump threats
Charles starts a game of hockey during event at Lansdowne Park
11:20 , Rebecca WhittakerKing Charles puts down the puck for the start of a game of hockey during a visit to a community event at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa, showcasing cultural heritage and diversity of Canada, as part of the royal two-day visit to Canada.
Signs the King is supporting Canada
11:00 , Rebecca WhittakerAlthough the King is expected to avoid making political comments, he has made some symbolic gestures to support Canada amid Trump’s threat.
On the 60th anniversary of the first raising of the country's maple leaf flag in February, the King praised Canada as a "proud, resilient and compassionate country".
He was seen wearing Canadian medals when he visited aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales in March.
Plus, during a tree-planting ceremony at Buckingham Palace he chose a maple.
Pictured: Charles and Camilla arriving in Canada
10:40 , Rebecca Whittaker
King Charles III's visit to Canada underscores its sovereignty to Trump
10:20 , Rebecca WhittakerKing Charles III arrives in Ottawa on Monday, a visit that will underscore Canada's sovereignty to US President Donald Trump.
Trump’s repeated suggestion that the U.S. annex its northern neighbour prompted Prime Minister Mark Carney to invite Charles to give the speech from the throne that will outline his government's agenda for the new Parliament.
Read more by Rob Gillies here:
King Charles III's visit to Canada underscores its sovereignty to Trump
What will happen at the visit today?
10:00 , Rebecca WhittakerThe King and Queen will attend Canada’s Senate on Tuesday morning.
The royals will receive full military honours - including a 100-person guard of honour from the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, an inspection of the guard and the band, and a 21-gun salute.
The King is then set to deliver the speech at 11am local time.
After Charles and Camilla will pay their respects to Canada’s fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial.
'King Charles’s visit to Canada shows the monarchy’s quiet diplomatic strength'
09:40 , Rebecca WhittakerThere was a time when a royal visit to Canada was seen as a safe introduction to royal touring for novices.
This week’s visit to Ottawa by King Charles and Queen Camilla, although his first as monarch, belongs in a very different category.
Read more here:
King Charles’s visit to Canada shows the monarchy’s quiet diplomatic strength
Charles and Camilla experienced all aspects of Canadian life in visit
09:11 , Rebecca WhittakerDuring the first day of their two-day visit to Canada, Charles and Camilla experienced all aspects of Canadian life from street hockey to a greeting from indigenous people, a trip widely seen as a show of support for the country in the face of challenges from the US leader.
Inviting the King has been viewed as strategic
09:09 , Rebecca WhittakerMany have viewed Mark Carney’s invitation to King Charles as strategic.
Commentators will be looking for any veiled references to US President Donald Trump during the King’s speech.
Canada has faced the unwanted attention of Mr Trump who has launched a trade war against his neighbour and made threats to annex the country as America’s 51st state.
Canada's Governor General Mary Simon said the visit "highlights the enduring relationship between Canada and the Crown".
"Now more than ever, we need to come together to ensure a future that builds on our shared global values of democracy, equality and peace," she said.
It's the first time a king has opened a new session of parliament
09:01 , Rebecca WhittakerThe last time a member of the royal family delivered a throne speech in Canada was in 1977, when Elizabeth II read the speech for the second time.
Elizabeth read it for the first time in 1957.
However, this will be the first time a king has opened a new session of parliament.
In 1939, George VI granted royal assent to several bills during his visit to Canada, but he did not deliver a throne speech.
What is a speech from the throne?
08:54 , Rebcca WhittakerThe newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney has invited King Charles to inaugurate the new parliament.
The speech from the throne is traditionally given by the governor general, who is the monarch's top representative in Canada.
It’s read on behalf of the prime minister and sets out the governments agenda when a new parliament session is about to begin.
The House of Commons and Senate cannot conduct any public business before the Speech from the Throne is made.
Watch: King Charles arrives in Canada for first visit as head of state
08:48 , Rebeca Whittaker
King Charles arrives in Canada for first visit as head of state
King Charles will open the first session of the 45th parliament
08:47 , Rebecca WhittakerCharles’ second day in the capital Ottawa will see him follow the precedent set by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957 and open the first session of the 45th parliament.
The King will be delivering the words of the Canadian government, similar to a UK State opening of parliament.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney said the King’s speech would “outline the government’s ambitious plan to act with urgency and determination, and to deliver the change Canadians want and deserve: to define a new economic and security relationship with the United States, to build the strongest economy in the G7, to bring down the cost of living, and to keep communities safe”.
