King Charles III opens Canadian Parliament amid Trump threats

King Charles III will open the Canadian parliament on May 27, marking the first time in nearly 50 years that a reigning monarch has delivered the Speech from the Throne in Canada. The invitation, extended by Prime Minister Mark Carney, is seen as a symbolic assertion of Canadian sovereignty amid rising tensions with the United States, particularly following President Donald Trump's threats of annexation and the imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods. Carney emphasized that the king's visit and the ceremonial opening of parliament underscore Canada's independence and national identity, especially in contrast to its southern neighbor. The visit also comes in the wake of Carney's recent electoral victory, where his government pledged to defend Canada’s sovereignty and address economic and social concerns. Buckingham Palace confirmed that both King Charles and Queen Camilla will attend the state opening in Ottawa, highlighting the monarch’s ongoing support for Canada as a constitutional monarchy.