It’s unlikely most Quebecers will be breathless with anticipation Monday afternoon when King Charles III steps onto the tarmac in Ottawa to be greeted by a slew of dignitaries and a military honour guard.

Few in Quebec hold particular fondness for the British monarchy. Some even harbour antipathy. Many see the Crown as an anachronistic institution that no longer reflects our democratic values. Others view it as a painful reminder of the British conquest of New France on the Plains of Abraham centuries ago — not to mention Samedi de la matraque, when police brutally dispersed crowds of nationalist protesters who showed up to jeer Queen Elizabeth II in Quebec City in 1964.

Nevertheless, the King’s visit to Canada this week should be more reassuring than ruffling — even for Quebecers.

Charles was invited by newly elected prime minister Mark Carney to deliver the throne speech Tuesday — only the third time in Canadian history this has happened, the last being when his mother did in 1977.

Throne speeches are a government’s way of outlining its agenda. Normally delivered by the Governor General, the monarch’s official representative, it’s a big deal for the King himself to do the honours.

But this is not about pomp and pageantry. This is less about reinforcing Canada’s ties to the British throne or belonging to the Commonwealth. This is about sending a powerful message regarding Canada’s sovereignty in tumultuous times.

And it’s largely aimed at one person: U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump is an admirer of the Royals, and the King’s presence is pushback against his oft-repeated desire to make Canada the 51st state. It’s a reminder that the 49th parallel separating Canada and the United States is no artificial line and that while our two countries may share a continent, they have had........

© Montreal Gazette