Canada has made an important shift in its relationship with the British monarchy by inviting King Charles III to open Parliament and deliver the Speech from the Throne — an event that hasn’t happened in over 60 years, reports Gazeta Sinjali.
This decision, announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney, sends a strong signal of Canada’s sovereignty and uniqueness as a constitutional monarchy, countering the harsh rhetoric of U.S. President Donald Trump, who described Canada as the “51st state” of the U.S.
In 2011, Canada’s ties to the Crown were at a different stage: Conservative PM Stephen Harper sparked debate over the symbolism of the monarchy, while his successor, Liberal Justin Trudeau, moved toward distancing from it by removing the Queen’s portrait and emphasizing local symbols. Now, with the invitation to King Charles III, Canada reaffirms its historic ties to the British Crown, showing it remains a constitutional monarchy with deep parliamentary and institutional traditions, according to BBC.
Canadian historians emphasize that despite modern indifference to the monarchy by many citizens, Carney’s move is a strong political and cultural statement. It reflects Canada’s desire to preserve and strengthen its sovereignty amid challenges in relations with the U.S. due to protectionist policies and tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
The British monarch has not opened the Canadian Parliament since 1957 and has not delivered the speech from the throne since 1977, making this visit a very rare and historic occasion for the country. Meanwhile, Canada faces internal challenges, especially from the province of Quebec, where separatist forces continue to seek separation from the monarchy and reaffirmation of local identity. Nonetheless, recent constitutional changes and actions indicate a determination to maintain unity and historical ties with the Crown.
This development comes at a critical moment for Canada, which gained full sovereignty in 1982 with the patriation of its constitution but still retains monarchical symbols and institutions in a modern sense. The invitation to King Charles III is not only symbolic but also an effort to reaffirm the values and traditions that distinguish Canada from its American neighbors.
