Under a brilliant sunny sky, King Charles III and Queen Camilla were greeted by the warm applause of thousands of Canadians as they traveled by carriage down Wellington Street, Ottawa. People waved Canadian flags, others Union Jacks, everyone hoping to catch a glimpse of what many have described as the most historic opening of Parliament since 1957 — when Queen Elizabeth II delivered the Speech from the Throne early in her reign.

As the carriage passed Parliament Hill, the National Arts Centre, the National War Memorial and slowed in front of the Senate, a scattering of people in the crowd spontaneously broke into “O Canada.” The sound built as hundreds of others joined in, a show of patriotism after months of threats of annexation from the President of the United States.

More than 100 accredited journalists from Canada and around the world covered the event. One reporter from Australia said the world is “fascinated by what is happening to Canadians, and believe Canada is a test case in how to deal with the new U.S. administration.”

As newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife Diana Fox Carney waited for the King and Queen to arrive, one bystander standing on the steps of the historic Chateau Laurier screamed, “We love you Carney!”

In his speech, the King didn’t mention Trump by name, but referenced the unease he has sensed from Canadians.

“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 act bigger,” the King said.

He added the new paradigm of Canada-U.S. relations is “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 recognizing that all Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away,” he said.

Concluded the monarch, “As the anthem reminds us: the True North is indeed strong and free!”

Listening from the front row of the Senate were Chief Perry Bellegarde, Honorary President of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and his wife Valerie Galley Bellegarde, a policy analyst, researcher and writer on Indigenous priorities. Both are Fellows of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

“It was a chance for Canadians to show our U.S. relatives that we are unique,” said Bellegarde. “We are a constitutional monarchy, and have strong connections not only with Great Britain, but also with the world.”

There was a respectful hush in the Senate chamber during the speech. Senators are told not to applaud the King during the Throne Speech. But at the end of the address, said RCGS Fellow Karen Sorensen, a Senator for Alberta, they couldn’t contain themselves.

“Everyone was holding back,” said Sorensen, “but when the King said ‘as the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free,’ the whole room erupted. It felt so good. We are so proud to be Canadians.”

As an Albertan, and former Mayor of Banff, Sorensen said she is optimistic that better days are ahead for Canada.

“Prime Minister Mark Carney is the right person at the right time. I am confident he can handle what we are facing,” she said. “The G7 [Leaders’ Summit] in Kananaskis means that the world will be watching again in a matter of weeks, and will be inspired by the extraordinary natural beauty of this country. We have much to be proud of; now to find unity to build the kind of Canada we want.”

The King, too, spoke of his affection for Canada during the Throne speech. “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 the defence of national values, and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians.”