King Charles III says Trump’s threats to seize territory are posing serious challenges for Canada

King Charles III has expressed alarm about the increasing risks to Canada’s stability in the wake of Donald Trump’s annexation rhetoric.

As he opened the new session of Parliament on Tuesday, King Charles III gave a rare statement from the throne, warning that Canada is facing enormous difficulties in a world that is becoming more dangerous. Given recent threats of annexation by US President Donald Trump, the monarch’s speech was generally seen as a show of support.

Trump has made the recurrent suggestion that the US should annex Canada, which has alarmed Ottawa. The King was then asked to give the customary throne speech, which lays out the government’s priorities, by Prime Minister Mark Carney. As the head of state and a representation of Canada’s constitutional monarchy, Charles’ presence emphasized the nation’s Commonwealth membership and sovereignty.

Our world has never been more unstable and deadly since World War II, and we have to face that fact. “Canada is facing challenges that are unprecedented in our lifetimes,” Charles remarked in French, adding that many Canadians are experiencing anxiety in the face of a rapidly shifting global environment.

Delivering the speech from the Canadian throne is an uncommon occurrence for a monarch. Only twice, in 1957 and 1977, did Queen Elizabeth II take this action. On Tuesday, King Charles opened Parliament for the first time during his twentieth visit to Canada.

“I have always had the utmost respect for Canada’s distinct identity, which is acknowledged globally for its courage and selflessness in defending its ideals, as well as for the diversity and warmth of Canadians,” he stated.

Charles observed that almost 70 years have gone by when his mother initially opened Parliament, reflecting on Canada’s changes over the years. He commended Canada’s development into a bilingual and multicultural country and discussed its path to complete independence, which included the return of its constitution.

“World War II was a recent memory and the Cold War was escalating when my late mother started a new session of the Canadian Parliament in 1957. “Freedom and democracy were in danger,” he declared. “Canada is currently facing yet another pivotal moment. Canadians cherish democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom, all of which the government is committed to upholding.

According to Charles, who was describing the government’s security priorities, the federal administration intends to restore and re-arm the military in order to protect Canadian sovereignty. One way to do this is by supporting the national defense industry by taking part in the “ReArm Europe” project, which aims to strengthen transatlantic security in collaboration with European partners.

He went on to say that Canada will also raise its military presence in the North, which he described as a crucial area of the country that is currently confronting new dangers.

Former prime ministers Stephen Harper and Justin Trudeau were among the dignitaries who attended the speech.