A decade ago, a royal portrait sparked political controversy in Canada. Now, in a striking reversal, King Charles III is set to deliver Canada’s Speech from the Throne — a symbolic moment that reflects shifting politics, national identity, and international tensions.
Back in 2011, then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper, shortly after forming a majority Conservative government, triggered backlash when he replaced artwork by a Quebec artist with a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Critics argued it was an outdated gesture in a country steadily distancing itself from its colonial past.
When Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau came to power in 2015, the Queen’s portrait was taken down and the Quebec art restored.
Fast forward to 2025, and a new Liberal prime minister, Mark Carney, is charting a different course. In a bold and highly symbolic move, Carney has invited King Charles III to open Canada’s 45th Parliament — the first time a British monarch has delivered the throne speech since 1977, and the first to open a new parliamentary session since 1957.
The move, analysts say, is not just ceremonial — it’s political.
“It’s a theatrical display meant to highlight Canada’s distinct identity — particularly from the U.S.,” Canadian royal historian Justin Vovk told the BBC. “It’s a reminder that Canada is not, as Donald Trump has repeatedly implied, America’s 51st state.”
Carney, who campaigned on defending Canadian sovereignty, has used the invitation as a powerful response to months of provocations by U.S. President Trump, who has questioned Canada’s independence and even suggested it would be better off absorbed into the United States.
Trump’s rhetoric has been matched by aggressive economic policies, including new tariffs that have unsettled Canada’s trade-dependent economy. In this context, Carney has framed the King’s visit as a reaffirmation of Canada’s unique identity and self-governance.
“This is a historic honour that matches the weight of our times,” Carney said when announcing the visit. “It clearly underscores the sovereignty of our country.”
Canada’s relationship with the monarchy has always been nuanced. While the U.S. broke ties with the Crown during its revolution nearly 250 years ago, Canada’s path to independence was more gradual. The British monarch remains Canada’s official head of state, with constitutional powers delegated to a governor general. Yet modern Canadians are increasingly indifferent — and sometimes hostile — to the institution.
Royal historian Carolyn Harris notes that the level of connection to the Crown often depends on the prime minister in office. Carney’s gesture marks a notable shift in tone from recent Liberal leaders.
The King’s visit also carries significance for the monarchy itself. This will be his first trip to Canada as reigning monarch after plans to visit in 2024 were cancelled due to his cancer diagnosis. According to Buckingham Palace, the throne speech will “mark a significant moment between the Head of State and the Canadian people.”
Still, the monarchy faces criticism within Canada. The 2023 coronation of King Charles sparked renewed debate over the Crown’s historical mistreatment of Indigenous peoples. In Quebec, the separatist Bloc Québécois party is again pushing legislation to eliminate the requirement for elected officials to swear allegiance to the King.
Despite the divided public opinion, Carney’s invitation to the King serves a dual purpose. It not only emphasizes Canadian sovereignty on the world stage but also seeks to leverage Trump’s known admiration for royal history in hopes of softening strained diplomatic ties.
“Strengthening the relationship with the monarchy puts a stamp of legitimacy that transcends party politics and short-term leadership,” Vovk said. “Politicians come and go, but the monarchy endures.”
For Carney — a former governor of the Bank of England — it also aligns with his broader aim of deepening Canada’s ties with Europe amid shifting dynamics with its southern neighbour.
Though brief, the King and Queen’s visit — arriving Monday morning and departing Tuesday evening — is expected to be impactful. The palace has promised that the throne speech will be a moment of national significance.
For Canada, it’s more than ceremony. It’s a statement.
