King's invitation to Canada sends a message to Trump - and the world

Source: BBC

King's invitation to Canada sends a message to Trump - and the world

25 May 2025

Nadine Yousif
BBC News, Toronto

A decade ago, a portrait of the British monarch caused a row in Canadian politics. Now, the King is being invited to deliver the Speech from the Throne. What's changed?

In 2011, shortly after forming a majority Conservative government, Prime Minister Stephen Harper caused a national uproar when he sought to emphasise Canada's ties to the British monarchy. In one example, he replaced two artworks by a Quebec painter with a portrait of the Queen.

Some rebuked the gesture as being out of touch with modern times. Canada has, throughout its 157-year-old history, sought increasing independence from the British monarchy, while still remaining a part of the Commonwealth.

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Fast forward to 2025, and a paradoxical shift has occurred in Canada's relationship with the Crown. In a transparent show of Canada's sovereignty and independence against threats from US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Mark Carney - a Liberal - has invited King Charles the III to open the 45th Canadian parliament.

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Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c04erp9gxkyo