Shifts in Canada’s Monarchical Relationship
A decade ago, a portrait of the British monarch sparked controversy in Canadian politics. Now, with King Charles III being invited to deliver the Speech from the Throne, it’s worth exploring the evolution of Canada’s relationship with the Crown over the years.
The 2011 Controversy
In 2011, soon after establishing a majority Conservative government, Prime Minister Stephen Harper ignited a national debate by highlighting Canada’s connections to the British monarchy. One prominent action was the replacement of two artworks created by a Quebec artist with a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. This action prompted strong backlash, with critics deeming it out of touch with modern Canadian values.
Throughout its 157-year history, Canada has maneuvered towards greater independence from the British monarchy while still remaining part of the Commonwealth. The implications of Harper’s actions pointed toward a desire to reinforce traditional ties at a time when many Canadians were beginning to embrace a more independent national identity.
A New Era with Trudeau
Four years later, when Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took office, there was a notable shift in attitude. Trudeau removed the Queen’s portrait and reinstated the original Quebec paintings, signaling a departure from Harper’s emphasis on monarchical ties.
The 2025 Invitation to King Charles III
Fast forward to 2025, and a significant shift has occurred in Canada’s connection to the Crown. In a bold move, Prime Minister Mark Carney, a member of the Liberal Party, has extended an invitation to King Charles III to open the 45th Canadian parliament. This invitation serves as a declaration of Canada’s sovereignty and independence, particularly in light of perceived threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to Canadian royal historian Justin Vovk, this move represents “a huge affirmation and statement about the uniqueness of Canada and its traditions.” It aims to illustrate what distinguishes Canadians from their American neighbors, particularly against Trump’s claims that Canada could be seen as a “51st state.”
Historical Context
Although both Canada and the United States emerged from British colonial rule, the paths they took diverged significantly. While American founders established a clear separation from the monarchy nearly 250 years ago, Canada has maintained a more gradual and intertwined relationship with the Crown. Its parliamentary system remains modeled on the British Westminster system, with the British monarch formally recognized as the head of state, although their duties frequently fall to the governor general, Canada’s representative.
Historically, loyalty to the Crown was viewed as a vital component for Canadian politicians in the 19th century, as they sought to maintain distance from the United States. However, this paradigm began to shift in the 1960s, especially as Quebec asserted its distinct identity and sought separation, leading to notable politicians like Lester B. Pearson and Pierre Elliott Trudeau attempting to disentangle Canada from its colonial past.
The Constitution Act of 1982
A landmark moment in this journey occurred in 1982 when Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau repatriated Canada’s constitution, transferring legislative power from the British Parliament to federal and provincial governments. This represented a critical juncture, reinforcing Canada’s legislative independence while still retaining its status as a constitutional monarchy.
A Supportive Tone Toward the Crown
With Carney’s invitation to King Charles III, a more receptive attitude toward the monarchy is anticipated from his administration. According to Vovk, this marks “a very different tone” compared to previous Liberal governments. A British monarch has not delivered a throne speech in Canada since 1977, nor opened a new parliamentary session since 1957, thus making King Charles’ visit an extraordinary event.
The timing of this event holds substantial significance, especially as Carney campaigned on a platform of standing up to Trump’s questioning of Canadian sovereignty. Trump’s imposition of tariffs has cast shadows over Canada’s economic stability, with the United States being its most significant trading partner.
Political and Symbolic Implications
When announcing the King’s visit, Carney referred to it as “a historic honor that matches the weight of our times.” He emphasized that the King’s presence underscores Canadian sovereignty in a world where traditional alliances are being questioned.
Both historians highlight that the contemporary Canadian population often holds indifferent or critical views toward the British monarchy. The coronation of King Charles III in 2023 ignited fresh discussions surrounding the monarchy’s historical treatment of Indigenous populations in Canada and raised questions about whether the new monarch would take steps toward reconciliation.
Quebec’s Continued Push for Independence
In Quebec, political factions continue to advocate for Canada to sever its ties with the monarchy. Recently, the separatist Bloc Québécois party announced its intent to reintroduce measures aimed at abolishing the requirement for elected officials to swear allegiance to the King.
Conclusion: A Visit with Significant Message
While some Canadians may be drawn to the grandeur and traditions associated with the King’s visit, the primary objective is to convey a political message to the international community. This state visit allows Carney to foster better relations with Trump, who has shown a keen interest in British history and the monarchy.
As Vovk notes, “Strengthening the relationship with the monarchy puts a stamp on legitimacy that transcends individual parties and the current political climate.” This sentiment echoes the notion that while individual politicians may change, the monarchy persists as a stable institution.
Moreover, this visit serves to create closer ties between Canada and Europe, a key ambition of Prime Minister Carney, who previously held a role as governor of the Bank of England. As Canada navigates its evolving relationship with the U.S., alliances with European nations are increasingly significant.
King Charles III’s upcoming visit is notable for the Crown, representing his first trip to Canada as reigning monarch. Initially planned for the previous year, the visit was postponed due to his health issues. The royal palace is promising a throne speech that will “mark a significant moment” in the relationship between the Head of State and the Canadian people. Although brief, with the King and Queen arriving on Monday morning and departing Tuesday evening, the palace hopes the visit will have a lasting impact.
