When King Charles III delivers the Speech from the Throne on Tuesday, it will be only the third time in our history that a monarch has done so, with both previous times occurring under the late Queen Elizabeth II. This is Charles’ first visit to Canada as monarch, and the timing is not a coincidence. U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated talk of making Canada the 51st state likely triggered the invitation from the prime minister, and will make the delivery of the speech by our sovereign and head of state all the more symbolic — a visible reminder of our unique history and distinct institutions.