King Charles III delivers throne speech from new Senate of Canada building

King Charles the Third formally opened parliament by reading the speech from the throne – a rare event for Canada’s monarch.

The King appeared to have left an indelible mark after he pledged his love for Canada. He also read out a speech that mentioned a critical moment today, regarding Canada’s diplomatic relationships and the future of democracy.

“Every time I come to Canada, a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream – and from there, straight to my heart,” said Charles.

After marking his 20th visit to Canada, King Charles bid farewell to a nation he believes is stronger than ever.

“The true north is indeed strong and free,” said Charles.

From inside the senate chamber this morning, His Majesty and Queen Camilla sat front and centre with dignitaries as King Charles delivered a 27-minute speech from the throne to open a new session of parliament – the first throne speech delivered by a reigning monarch in Canada in nearly half a century.

The royal couple left the senate building for one last commemoration at the National War Memorial and then departed Canada.

The monumental tour sparked pride nation-wide, including those shopping at a popular Brit shop in Burlington.

“I think this is one of his first trips coming back from health concerns, so for him to actually say yes, I want to come, and I want to help, and I want to be there I think is a great legacy to leave,” said one woman.

READ MORE: Parliament is set to return today: here’s what you need to know

“It’s that soft power that, at ceremonies and moments like this, which cause us to come together to reflect on, what are we as a country? What does it mean to be Canadian? Where are we headed? What’s our direction? We need these types of moments,” said Nathan Tidridge, author of Canada’s Constitutional Monarchy.

One word that was emphasized quite often during the King’s speech was the word sovereignty.

King Charles read out commitments like a middle class tax cut, fast-tracking infrastructure projects of national significance, introducing legislation to remove barriers to internal trade by Canada Day, and forging new alliances.

“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 United States rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests,” said Charles.

Without mentioning him by name, the King was talking about U.S. President Donald Trump, who has made repeated calls for annexing Canada.

He also read out that Ottawa will protect Canada’s sovereignty by building up the military and engaging with ReArm Europe, a major defence procurement plan designed to ramp up arms production and offer less reliance on U.S.-made equipment.

READ MORE: King Charles III to deliver throne speech as Parliament resumes

“In his capacity as the king of Canada, you know, the government did what governments do, and outlined their kind of vision for the country. And it is a very big vision because of the times in which we live, and I think that was conveyed quite effectively,” said Tidridge.

King Charles also paid homage to his mother, Queen Elizabeth the Second, who delivered throne speeches in 1957 and 1977.

The speech is typically drafted by the federal government to set out its priorities for the coming legislative session, but the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed this one was done in collaboration with the Palace.

There have been 152 speeches from the throne since Confederation. The first throne speech was delivered in 1867 by Viscount Monck, Canada’s first governor general.

The King and Queen wrapped up their royal visit Tuesday afternoon.

READ MORE: King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s two-day visit in Canada begins