The speech was written on the advice of the Canadian government, but there was a great deal of symbolism in the King reading it out. The King of Canada was in town.
Inviting King Charles seemed to have paid off for Carney, who afterwards said how well the speech had been delivered. "Our sovereignty is strong," said Carney.
From the parliamentarians inside the packed chamber to the crowds pressed up against the railings outside, the King's visit was seen as sticking up for Canada when it was under pressure from its bigger neighbour.
Compared with openings of Parliament in Westminster, this was a more dressed-down affair. No crowns or robes, with the King looking businesslike in a suit.
Showing this really is a relaxed country, the former PM, Justin Trudeau, was wearing a pair of green trainers.
A theme of this brief royal visit has been paying respects to the First Nations people and the King noted that parliament was meeting on the territory of the Algonquin people.
Among the parliamentarians were many representatives of First Nations communities, dressed in traditional outfits and spectacular headdresses. The speech, delivered in French and English, made a virtue of the country's diverse roots.
Before the King's arrival, there was an unmistakable sense of anticipation with the sober lawmakers taking a few quick selfies before the big royal moment. There was that nervous buzz ahead of something important.
There would be a long list of government plans and policies, but there was a bigger historic feel to events, with a huge media encampment outside and crowds lining the streets.
The opening of parliament took place in Canada's Senate, which is currently using temporary accommodation while its own building is renovated.
The building being used by the Senate used to be Ottawa's main railway station. You could still see how the floor of the chamber had once been the station concourse.
A different type of king, Elvis Presley, had come through here on a train journey in 1957. If there were suspicious minds here about whether King Charles would stand up for Canada, he was able to put that to rest.
In the warm Ottawa sunshine, there were crowds sending their own message by turning out to see the King. Even a fleeting visit here soon shows how deeply people have been upset by their near neighbours and allies in the US.
There seemed to be a genuine sense of relief that the King was there and showing support. The King also looked pleased, standing outside the Senate, holding a quick walkabout while a motorcade of oversized black cars was waiting to drive him away. He later spoke of the "warmest of welcomes".
He waved before he left, having a last look around, towards the crowds and towards the cameras. Was there someone south of the border watching?
The US state department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce responded to the speech: "I'm a fan of King Charles. And of Prince William and Princess Kate. I think they're a great family."
