Elliott Malik: The King in Canada is living proof of our shared cultural heritage

Elliott Malik is the Director of the Conservative Friends of CANZUK.

For the first time in almost 70 years, and for only the third time in Canada’s history, the Canadian Parliament was opened by its monarch on the 27th of May 2025. This intensely symbolic moment came after Canada faced months of pressure from its southern neighbour. Canada did not back down. It welcomed its King home, demonstrating all that makes Canada special.

This tour was a packed 48 hours. His Majesty was welcomed by an honour guard of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Governor General, the Prime Minister, and other dignitaries. He swore in Her Majesty as a Canadian privy councillor, met the lieutenant governors of the ten provinces and territorial commissioners for the three territories, marked the occasion with a historic speech from the throne, and laid a wreath at the National War Memorial.

Besides the formalities, the King planted a blue beech tree in the grounds of Rideau Hall (the governor general’s residence) and was seen by thousands of his people.

The context of this tour is depressing. Whilst a King’s visit to his people is always to be welcomed, this was no normal royal tour. The United States under President Trump has turned against Canada.

From being its closest ally and brother, the United States has become an overbearing bully. Canada is not a reliable ally; it is a weak link in the chain. Canada is not to be respected; it is to be treated as a historical aberration which needs to fulfil its destiny by uniting with the United States.

This is, of course, tosh. Canada is the country which did not break from its historical destiny. It peacefully evolved from a colony to a dominion to a fully independent realm. It has a rich culture and tradition, steeped in British, French, and indigenous heritage.

Canada has long been considered the most ‘loyal’ realm, never having any real republican movement. It is also the realm with the longest continuous monachal tradition (Canada has never deposed its monarchy, whilst the UK had the interregnum of the 17th century).

When Mary Simon, the Governor General, welcomed the King home, this was not a mere turn of phrase. For Canada, the magic of the personal union of the realms is real. Once the King stepped onto the Royal Canadian Air Force aeroplane in Heathrow, he transformed into the King of Canada.

Our shared monarchy is the most potent of the cultural ties between Canada and the United Kingdom. But there is far more than monarchy. As Mark Carney, now Canadian prime minister, mused during his election address, Canada is a nation of three traditions: English, French and indigenous. Canada shares the same monarch, the same English language (albeit with the important francophone minority), the Westminster system of government, the common law system, and a plurality of its population descended from Britons. In fact, Canada is the only realm with a Gaelic stronghold.

The King’s royal tour is important. It is a re-affirmation of the King’s longstanding interest in – and affection for – his Canadian subjects. His presence, and the clear support of the Canadian people for him, is proof that Canada does not want to become American. The pageantry surrounding the state opening of Parliament is the most visible sign of Canada’s unique heritage.

So, what should we do in the United Kingdom? Most importantly, we must not impede such visits in the future. There was talk of the British government encouraging the Canadians to tone down their nationalism. Do not risk the US’s ire targeting the King and damaging UK-US relations, went the warning.

If true, this was disgraceful. Canada and the UK (and the other realms) have enjoyed equality before the King since the Statute of Westminster was granted royal assent in 1931. Canada should interact with her King without the UK’s input. It is her prerogative.

Instead, we should cultivate these tangible ties. Perhaps to begin with, it would be a real sign of connection for the King (or another member of the royal family to ease the travel burden) to open each new Canadian Parliament. This could also be extended to the other realms, with Australia and New Zealand being the most obvious choices.

We should also encourage the founding of organisations within the UK and Canada to promote and celebrate our shared history, heritage and culture. We have countless European examples of these – why not celebrate cultures around the world based on our country and our traditions?

Beyond this, we should recognise that Canada, as well as Australia and New Zealand, are unique in the world as close allies which yearn to foster deeper connections with Britain.  Culture is the foundation, but our economic and foreign policy positions almost always marry up. Whether it be our free trade agreements, military interoperability, or making similar decisions on the international stage, our four realms are the closest of allies.

All major Canadian parties support CANZUK. For Australia and New Zealand, these connections are so obvious that they almost do not need to be highlighted. Here in the UK, however, we have been slow to realise how precious our bonds are. So far, only the Liberal Democrats have formally announced their support for CANZUK.

We in the Conservative Friends of CANZUK are pushing for CANZUK to become a named foreign policy position in the Conservative Party’s policy review. This is a slow process, but CANZUK is worth it. Afterall, it is a completely positive idea – something much needed in our tumultuous world.

So let us deepen these connections. The King and his royal tours are proof of our unyielding bonds. It is time to promote all these connections. Let us prioritise trade of goods and peoples between these four most similar of countries. Let us formally acknowledge our close diplomatic and security bonds, creating new institutions to allow the four realms to work more closely with one another.

The Conservative Friends of CANZUK are beginning this process. Along with our parliamentary patrons, we are cultivating links with political parties in Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Trade, diplomacy, and culture are the three vital pillars of CANZUK. But it is our cultural heritage which makes this special. We celebrate and take pride in our shared cultural heritage. Returning to Canada, we will always stand with her. We recognise her inherent worth as one of our closest sister countries. We are heartened that Canada routinely tops the poll as the UK public’s favourite country.

The ‘True North’ is strong and free. Britain must always support her. Long Live Canada! God Save The King!