King Charles is speaking in Canada today. Here's why it's not a normal royal visit — and what it has to do with Trump.
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King Charles Delivers Historic Throne Speech in Canada
Above: Britain's King Charles III delivers a speech from the Throne to open the first session of the 45th Parliament of Canada as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney looks on (L) at the Senate of Canada on May 27, 2025 in Ottawa, Canada. Image copyright: Victoria Jones/Pool/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
The King's visit represents a powerful assertion of Canadian sovereignty and distinct identity at a crucial moment, reinforcing the constitutional monarchy's role as a stabilizing force that differentiates Canada from the United States. The throne speech's emphasis on Canadian values and independence sends a clear message about the country's determination to maintain its autonomy while building new global partnerships.
Opposition narrative
The ceremonial aspects of the throne speech, while historically significant, do little to address pressing economic challenges facing Canadians, including affordability concerns and trade tensions. The speech's broad platitudes and traditional pageantry distract from concrete policy needs, as its vague nature belies that it could have been written by any government and lacks specific solutions to current problems.