King Charles’s throne speech, deconstructed: ‘Not a single word was accidental’

There has rarely been such keen attention by Canadians to the presentation of a parliamentary speech. The anticipation and interest in Tuesday’s speech from the throne in Ottawa by King Charles III were sparked by the more meaningful and tangible symbolism, if not importance, of Canada’s status as a nation while its sovereignty is assailed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

While the unusual speech by King Charles III made Tuesday’s parliamentary session more interesting to Canadians, the timing of the occasion also made Canada more interesting to the rest of the world.

The words and symbolism of the King’s speech seemed to rise to the grandiosity of the occasion, drawing a standing ovation from the gathered officials after declaring in his closing: “As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free.”

That was, likely, calculated to be the sound bite from the speech and, indeed, it quickly became the headline for coverage of the event, in Canada and around the world.

In that, it marks a success for the speech on the global stage against the backdrop for the well-crafted event, a conclusion reached by three specialists asked by National Post to analyze and dissect the speech, even if the entirety of the presentation — from its pageantry and symbolism to delivery and message — wasn’t unanimously embraced.

There is an odd duality to any speech from the throne. It is largely written by the government, in this case under Prime Minister Mark Carney, to outline priorities in Parliament, but introductory remarks can be written by the King, or his office, or, more usually, the monarch’s representative in Canada, the Governor General, who typically delivers it.

The distinction of where one ends and the other begins in Tuesday’s 2,500-word speech was somewhat muted by all of it being voiced by Charles and a sense of the monarch’s comfort in reading it.

“Not a single word of that speech was accidental. Every single word was chosen deliberately,” said Justin Vovk, a royal historian with McMaster University. “It’s important to remember that Charles would also have told Carney and the cabinet if he was uncomfortable saying those words. So that’s the other side of the coin, the fact that Charles was comfortable making those statements.”

The unusual situation of the monarch, the official head of state of Canada as well as the United Kingdom, travelling to Canada to deliver the speech seems tied to the annexations threat to Canada’s sovereignty from Trump, and many were looking for some defiance from Charles.

As a piece of theatre, the traditions of the monarchy usually deliver rich pageantry in formal settings, and this didn’t disappoint. Wearing a formal pinstripe suit bearing a dense row of medals, leading with his Canadian insignias, Charles sat on a throne carved during his mother’s reign, beside Queen Camilla, and flanked by two large Canadian flags.

“My jaw hit the floor because he is wearing a pinstripe suit and not an admiral’s uniform,” said Vovk. When Charles opened the British Parliament he wore the uniform of the British navy, and Vovk thought he might wear an admiral’s uniform of the Canadian navy.

“It was the right move to wear civilian clothing because I think if he would have worn the military uniform that would have been perceived as being too militaristic. He’s our constitutional defender, he’s not the embodiment of our military defence.”

It made for a great show, said Arthur Milnes, a public historian and former speechwriter under Stephen Harper.

“Even Donald Trump, with all his supposed money, can’t buy what we just saw — that took 1,000 years of history and a hundred years of Canadian history. That’s the magic of monarchy and that’s what we just saw.”

At Charles’s feet, almost literally, sat Carney, and a throng of parliamentarians, former prime ministers, Indigenous leaders, Supreme Court judges and special guests crammed inside the chamber and outside at the door.

Robert Danisch, a University of Waterloo professor who studies political communication and persuasion said that arrangement was poor: “I thought Mark Carney looked quite small and like he was supplicating himself to the king. I don’t think that was a good visual for a new prime minister.”

The proceedings reflected the now-strange traditions that stem from the sometimes-bloody development of the monarchy and democratic parliamentary traditions inherited from the British.

Charles’ voice was strong, his enunciation clear.

“His delivery was excellent in the sense that this is a man who’s 76 plus he’s suffering and in treatment for cancer,” said Milnes. Danisch said the delivery was clear but a bit boring and flat.

Charles spoke alternatively in English and French. His French was good.

The speech also specifically praised the French contribution, always a thorny part of the monarch’s relationship with Quebec, saying: “The French language and the Quebec culture are at the heart of the Canadian identity. They define the country that Canadians and I love so much.”

The words should matter the most, although when the King rolls into town, that might be debated. The speech itself reflected the awkward hybrid of the government’s messaging to the voters and the high-minded ideals espoused, at least nominally, by the sovereign.

“Both play important roles,” said Milnes.

In this iteration, though, a significant consideration seemed to be aimed at an audience of one, namely Trump.

There were subjects that might not have been emphasized by the King in such a formal speech had they not been key planks in Trump’s complaints about Canada: cracking down on fentanyl, enhancing border security, increased policing, a check on immigration.

The speech emphasized Canada’s war record and sacrifices, naming some of the famous wartime battle honours of Canadian forces, and concluding: “At those places, and many others, forever etched into our memories, Canadians fought and died alongside our closest allies.”

Said Milnes: “That’s quite a message to send to the Pentagon and to Washington, that we’re no shrinking violets. We need no lessons on that.”

The speech also made much of the importance of Canada’s First Nations and reconciliation.

But there were also clear misses, said Danisch.

Charles, in the speech said: “The Crown has for so long been a symbol of unity for Canada… As it should, it stands proudly as a symbol of Canada today.”

Danisch said that seems an outdated notion. “The last sentence in that is a problem. If it were true, the King should have explained how the Crown is a symbol of Canada today, and he chose not to do that. And that is rhetorical work that I think is really important. I don’t think a lot of young people are going to listen to this speech and think, ‘Oh yes, the crown is a symbol of Canada,’” he said.

Danisch said Charles also pulled punches when addressing the challenge to Canada from the White House.

It seemed the speech was going to address the issue head on.

“The system of open global trade that, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, is changing. Canada’s relationships with partners are also changing. We must be clear-eyed: the world is a more dangerous and uncertain place than at any point since the Second World War. Canada is facing challenges that are unprecedented in our lifetimes,” Charles said.

But then concludes the thought with: “Yet this moment is also an incredible opportunity. An opportunity for renewal.”

Danisch said the redirection was alarming.

“Whoa. Let’s slow down. What are the changes, can you name them? He doesn’t name them, and clearly it makes the monarchy and Canada seem at the whim of historical forces that we can’t even identify. We’re just living in a world that’s changing. How is that going to resonate with Canadians? I’m not sure it will.”

One of the best lines was saved for the end: “The True North is indeed strong and free.”

“With these speeches, in contemporary times, the sound bite is more important than the entirety of the speech,” said Danisch. “That will be the sound bite and the sound bite and the repetition of that sound bite is the most important thing of a speech like this. It is good to see that the king was willing to say that.”

Vovk: “That’s the perfect line of Canadian nationalism that I think is always now going to be associated with this visit.”

Milnes: “What a message. I just felt as a Canadian, you know, by the time the King finished, I felt all charged up. I felt stirrings of a national mission and vision.”

Vovk: “I was very impressed with the speech, and I thought it hit all the right notes without stepping on anybody’s toes. Dare I say it might even have appeased Donald Trump?”

Danisch: “What a swing and a miss by both Mark Carney and the King. I think I understand. My takeaway was that he was going for a certain kind of symbolism that is demonstrating the difference between the U.S. and Canada and using the symbolism of the king to do that work. But I don’t think it was a very effective speech. I thought it was kind of boring. He didn’t speak to Canadian values effectively, and I don’t think he gave a good story of what’s happening now.”

Milnes: “Here we are, through the King, being challenged to seize the moment. Sometimes, as Canadians we are our own worst enemies. We’ve made a national sport of running down our country and our institutions and not being proud of ourselves. Well, this is going to be quite a shot in the arm for Canadian nationalism because sometimes we only accept our value and greatness as a nation when we hear it from others.”

Honourable Senators, members of the House of Commons,

It is with a sense of deep pride and pleasure that my wife and I join you here today, as we witness Canadians coming together in a renewed sense of national pride, unity, and hope.

I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people. This land acknowledgement is a recognition of shared history as a nation. While continuing to deepen my own understanding, it is my great hope that in each of your communities, and collectively as a country, a path is found toward truth and reconciliation, in both word and deed.

This is my 20th visit to Canada, spread over the course of more than half a century, and my first as Sovereign. As I have said before, “Every time I come to Canada a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream – and from there straight to my heart.”

I have always had the greatest admiration for Canada’s unique identity, which is recognized across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defence of national values, and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians.

To the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples – you have welcomed my family and myself to your traditional lands with great warmth and hospitality, for which I am humbly grateful.

This year, we mark the 80th anniversary of V-E Day and V-J Day. On Juno Beach, at Dieppe, on the Somme, at Beaumont-Hamel, at Ypres, and on Vimy Ridge. At those places, and many others, forever etched into our memories, Canadians fought and died alongside our closest allies.

Today, I see representatives from every part of Canada – from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, to Victoria, British Columbia, and Arviat, Nunavut. I see the guardians of the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Canadian Charter and, as King, I thank you for your service to your fellow Canadians, across the length and breadth of this vast and great nation.

You speak for your communities, representing an incredible richness of cultures, languages, and perspectives. We owe it to this generation, and those who succeed us, to think and act for the greater good of all. While the world faces unprecedented challenges, generating uncertainties across the continents with regards to peace and stability, economics, and climate change, your communities have the skills and determination to bring a wealth of solutions.

By fostering collaboration and engaging in respectful, constructive debates, you will ensure this Government is capable of bold and fair action to support Canadians.

It has been nearly 70 years since the Sovereign first opened Parliament. In the time since, Canada has dramatically changed: repatriating its Constitution, achieving full independence, and witnessing immense growth. Canada has embraced its British, French, and Indigenous roots, and become a bold, ambitious, innovative country that is bilingual, truly multicultural, and committed to reconciliation.

The Crown has for so long been a symbol of unity for Canada. It also represents stability and continuity from the past to the present. As it should, it stands proudly as a symbol of Canada today, in all her richness and dynamism.

When my dear late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, opened a new Canadian Parliament in 1957, the Second World War remained a fresh, painful memory. The Cold War was intensifying. Freedom and democracy were under threat. Canada was emerging as a growing economic power and a force for peace in the world. In the decades since, history has been punctuated by epoch-making events: the Vietnam War, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the start of the War on Terror. Today, Canada faces another critical moment.

Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the Government is determined to protect.

The system of open global trade that, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, is changing. Canada’s relationships with partners are also changing.

We must be clear-eyed: the world is a more dangerous and uncertain place than at any point since the Second World War. Canada is facing challenges that are unprecedented in our lifetimes.

Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them.

Fundamental change is always unsettling. Yet this moment is also an incredible opportunity. An opportunity for renewal. An opportunity to think big and to act bigger. An opportunity for Canada to embark on the largest transformation of its economy since the Second World War. A confident Canada, which has welcomed new Canadians, including from some of the most tragic global conflict zones, can seize this opportunity by recognising that all Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away. And that by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians.

Building new relationships with the United States and the world

The Prime Minister and the President of the United States, for example, have begun defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the U.S., rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests, to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations.

In parallel, the Government is working to strengthen its relationships with reliable trading partners and allies around the world, recognizing that Canada has what the world needs and the values the world respects.

Canada is ready to build a coalition of like-minded countries that share its values, that believe in international co-operation and the free and open exchange of goods, services, and ideas.

In this new, fast-evolving world, Canada is ready to lead. This will be demonstrated in June, when Canada convenes the G7 Summit.

Building a more affordable Canada

The Government is guided by its conviction that the economy is only truly strong when it serves everyone.

Many Canadians are struggling to get ahead. The Government is responding, reducing middle-class taxes and saving two-income families up to $840 a year. It will cut the GST on homes at or under $1 million for first-time homebuyers, delivering savings of up to $50,000. And it will lower the GST on homes between $1 million and $1.5 million.

The Government will protect the programs that are already saving families thousands of dollars every year. These include child care and pharmacare. In addition to these, the Government has recently expanded the Canadian Dental Care Plan to cover about eight million Canadians, saving the average person more than $800 per year.

Building a stronger Canada

The Government’s overarching goal – its core mission – is to build the strongest economy in the G7. That starts with creating one Canadian economy out of thirteen. Internal barriers to trade and labour mobility cost Canada as much as $200 billion each year. The Government will introduce legislation to remove all remaining federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility by Canada Day.

Numerous premiers have already taken vital steps to break down provincial and territorial barriers to trade. Together, we will build on that progress to deliver free trade across the nation by Canada Day. This is critical to unlocking Canada’s full economic potential, but it’s not enough.

To build Canada strong, the Government is working closely with provinces, territories, and Indigenous Peoples to identify and catalyse projects of national significance. Projects that will connect Canada, that will deepen Canada’s ties with the world, and that will create high-paying jobs for generations.

Given the pace of change and the scale of opportunities, speed is of the essence. Through the creation of a new Major Federal Project Office, the time needed to approve a project will be reduced from five years to two; all while upholding Canada’s world-leading environmental standards and its constitutional obligations to Indigenous Peoples.

The Government will also strike co-operation agreements with every interested province and territory within six months to realize its goal of “one project, one review.”

When Canadians come together, Canada builds things that last.

By removing these barriers that have held back our economy, we will unleash a new era of growth that will ensure we don’t just survive ongoing trade wars, but emerge from them stronger than ever. It will enable Canada to become the world’s leading energy superpower in both clean and conventional energy. To build an industrial strategy that will make Canada more globally competitive, while fighting climate change. To build hundreds of thousands of good careers in the skilled trades. And to build Canada into the world’s leading hub for science and innovation.

Critically, the Government will undertake a series of measures to help double the rate of home building while creating an entirely new housing industry – using Canadian technology, Canadian skilled workers, and Canadian lumber.

The Government will introduce measures to deliver affordable homes by creating Build Canada Homes. This mission-driven organization will act to accelerate the development of new affordable housing. It will invest in the growth of the prefabricated and modular housing industry.

And it will provide significant financing to affordable home builders. The Government will make the housing market work better, including by cutting municipal development charges in half for all multi-unit housing. The Government will drive supply up to bring housing costs down.

Building a safer and more secure Canada

To be truly strong, Canada must be secure. To that end, the Government will introduce legislation to enhance security at Canada’s borders. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies will have new tools to stop the flow of fentanyl and its precursors. The Canada Border Services Agency will be given new powers to examine goods destined for export, to prevent the transport of illegal and stolen products, including cars.

The Government will protect Canada’s sovereignty by rebuilding, rearming, and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces. It will boost Canada’s defence industry by joining ReArm Europe, to invest in transatlantic security with Canada’s European partners. And it will invest to strengthen its presence in the North, which is an integral part of Canada, as this region faces new threats.

The Government will discharge its duty to protect Canadians and their sovereign rights, from wherever challenges may come at home or abroad. To keep communities safe, the Government will hire 1,000 more

RCMP personnel. It will change firearms licensing and strengthen enforcement of yellow and red flag laws.