Charles III in Canada, a dusty royal parade that falls flat
For the first time in forty-eight years, the British monarch delivered the Speech from the Throne to the Canadian Parliament, outlining the government's priorities and reaffirming the sovereignty of the "Great North" coveted by Donald Trump. In the eyes of this Quebec columnist, it was a poor idea from the new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, given that most Canadians no longer identify with this institution.
King Charles III visited the largest of his kingdoms, Canada. To mark his visit, he read the Speech from the Throne. For a Canadian population 80% of whom have pledged their allegiance to the king, this was a harsh reminder: at the start of his reign, Prime Minister Mark Carney entrusted the sovereign of Canada with the reading of his platform. Mr. Carney served us royal flourish, nothing more!
The sovereign symbol has caused some commotion among both detractors and supporters of the monarchy, but what does this reading teach us, other than that Canada's newest Prime Minister, who reveals himself more in his actions than in his words, is a traditionalist of the purest kind? His more "conservative" tendencies—in the sense of preserving customs—herald a reign that will contrast sharply with that of his predecessor, Justin Trudeau.
The king cut a fine figure. Welcomed by his subjects like a rock star on tour, he did what one would expect of a monarch touring his fiefdom: shake hands, distribute smiles and kind words, and meet with figures declared to be inspirational for the future of Canada.
In French that was far superior to that of Governor General Mary Simon, King Charles outlined the priorities of a modern Canada – stronger, safer, more affordable, more economical, more united – and he advocated for a country building anew.
Courrier International
