King Charles has given the throne speech to mark the opening session of Canada's parliament
In comments written by Prime Minister Mark Carney's government, he speaks of a "new economic and security relationship between Canada and the US, rooted in mutual respect" that will benefit "both sovereign nations"
He also says the Canadian government "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"
And concluding, he says: "As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free" - a remark met with applause
The King was invited by Carney, who said the visit "underscores the sovereignty of our country" - a reference to Donald Trump's claims about making Canada the 51st US state
The speech was last read by a head of state - the King's mother, Queen Elizabeth II - in 1977
Image source, ReutersFollowing the conclusion of the speech and the standing ovation, King Charles and Queen Camilla have now left the Senate.
They are now shaking hands with a long line of officials, before they head to a war memorial.
And after that, this state visit comes to a close.
Sean Coughlan
Royal correspondent, reporting from Ottawa
The King's speech has now finished.
Addressing parliamentarians, he says: "May you honour the profound trust bestowed upon you by Canadians, and may God bless and guide you in all your duties."
The King receives a standing ovation from Canada's parliament. It was a speech that promised to "protect Canadians and their sovereign rights".
From the positive reaction in the chamber, it seemed to be the loud and clear statement of support that Canadians wanted to hear.
It never mentioned President Trump by name, but the call for a Canada that is "strong and free" will be seen as sending a message over the border in his direction.
The King has reached the conclusion of his throne speech.
He says Canada continues to set an example to the world as a "force for good".
The King thanks the people of Canada for his and Queen Camilla's "warm welcome".
"As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free!" he says.
Image source, ReutersThe King says the the government will always protect the rights and freedoms that the Charter guarantees for every Canadian.
He says it will be a "reliable partner" to indigenous people, adding that the creation of their "long-term wealth and prosperity" is central to its commitment.
On immigration, Charles outlines the government's new policies to slow down the rate while attracting foreign talent.
The government's policy also sends a message to Canadians abroad that "there is no better time to come home", he says.
King Charles says that Canadians are "uniting behind what makes Canada unique" during a time of "great change".
He celebrates the French language and the Quebec culture and says Canada respects its official and Indigenous languages.
The King says the government is "determined to protect" the institutions which bring these to the world, such as Radio Canada.
He also says the government will protect Canada's nature "more than ever before".
Image source, PA MediaThe King spends a bit of time talking about Canada's housing shortage and Carney's plans to address it. This is was a major issue in the spring's election.
The speech then turns to border security - another key issue and a top priority of the Trump administration. It is one of the reasons the US has cited for raising trade tariffs on Canada.
The government will introduce legislation to strengthen Canada's borders, the King says, saying law enforcement will get new tools to stop the flow of fentanyl and its precursors.
Switching to French once again, the King says the government will "protect Canada’s sovereignty" by "rebuilding" the armed forces.
He also talks through measures to protect Canadians, talking about hiring more police, and focusing on reducing car theft, home invasions, and the movement of guns and drugs across the border.
Continuing to lay out government policies, King Charles speaks briefly about national project timelines, that the Canadian government is working with provinces, territories, and Indigenous Peoples to "catalyse projects of national significance".
The King then moves onto the topic of trade, saying that by removing barriers that have held back the Canadian 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".
He says this will enable Canada to become a superpower in both clean and conventional energy, that would make Canada more globally competitive while fighting climate change and increasing jobs.
As a reminder, the King is delivering some portions of his speech in French, which we are bringing you translations of.
Image source, PA MediaThe speech is is now moving into the portion laying out the policy priorities of Prime Minister Carney's new government.
Charles touches on upcoming changes to homebuying credits, childcare costs and pharmacare.
He then turns to the economy, and says that the government’s "overarching goal" and "core mission" is to building the strongest economy in the G7.
Image source, PA Media"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," the King says.
"In this new, fast-evolving world, Canada is ready to lead."
The King says a confident Canada can seize the current opportunity by recognising "that all Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away".
By staying true to Canadian values, it can "build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians", he says.
Canada's prime minister and the US president have begun "defining a new economic and security relationship" between the two countries, King Charles says.
He says the relationship between Canada and the US is "rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests, to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations".
The Canadian government is also working to strengthen its relationships with "reliable" trading partners around the world, the King says, adding that it is "recognising that Canada has what the world needs and the values the world respects".
The system of open global trade that, while not perfect has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades is changing, King Charles says.
"Canada’s relationships with partners are also changing," he adds.
Canada is facing challenges that are unprecedented in our lifetimes. Many Canadians are feeling anxious, he says. "Yet this moment is also an incredible opportunity. An opportunity for renewal. An opportunity to think big and to act bigger," he says.
"An opportunity for Canada to embark on the largest transformation of its economy since the Second World War."
Image source, ReutersThe King goes on to say that when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II opened a new Canadian parliament in 1957, the Second World War was a "fresh, painful memory".
The Cold War was intensifying, freedom and democracy were under threat, and Canada was emerging as a growing economic power and a force for peace in the world, he adds.
He then lists the "epoch-making events" that followed: 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," he says.
The King tells the Canadian parliament that by encouraging collaboration and holding constructive debates, it can ensure the government is capable of taking bold and fair action to support Canadians.
He says Canada has changed "immensely" since the last time a sovereign opened up parliament.
It has become independent, truly multicultural, committed to reconciliation and is based on British, French and indigenous roots, the King adds.
He says the Crown still stands as a symbol of Canada today.
Image source, PA MediaThe King says this his 20th visit to Canada, spread over the course of more than half a century, and his first as sovereign.
"Every time I come to Canada, a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream and straight to my heart," he says.
He goes on to say he has always had the "greatest admiration" for Canada's "unique identity" for its "bravery and sacrifice in defence of national values", and the "diversity and kindness of Canadians".
The King thanks the first nations, Inuit and Metis peoples for welcoming him with "great warmth and hospitality".
The King acknowledges the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and Victory over Japan Day.
He continues in French saying:" I see representatives from every part of Canada – from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, to Victoria, British Columbia and Arviat, Nunavut."
King Charles starts the speech by acknowledging that the Senate is gathered on the "unceded territory" of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people.
"This land acknowledgement is a recognition of shared history as a nation," the King says.
He says he hopes there is a path found towards truth and reconciliation.
The speakers of the House of Commons and Senate are introducing the King, who is about to begin making his remarks.
As a reminder, King Charles is due to make personal remarks before reading out the speech.
Image source, PA MediaKing Charles and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are chatting and joking while the Senate waits for the King's throne speech.
We're moments away from it beginning. You can watch live at the top of this page
The King's throne speech is due to begin shortly.
But for now, he's working the room - shaking hands with officials with Queen Camilla by his side.
Image source, ReutersSean Coughlan
Royal correspondent, reporting from Ottawa
The King has arrived in the Senate chamber, in a procession with Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Charles is here as the King of Canada, present at a moment that is symbolic of Canada’s sovereignty as an independent democracy.
It’s a historic sight.
There are quite a few points of interest to look out for on the throne King Charles is sitting on in the Senate.
It features walnut from the royal estate at Windsor Castle, and actually bears his mother's royal cipher.
Take a look at some of the key elements below:
