OTTAWA—King Charles III and Queen Camila arrived in Canada on May 26, with the monarch set to deliver the speech from the throne the next day to open the new session of Parliament.
The King and Queen were greeted at the Ottawa International Airport by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Gov. Gen. Mary Simon. Also present were Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Métis National Council president Victoria Pruden, Inuit President Tapiriit Kanatami, and a guard of honour of 25 Royal Canadian Dragoons.
The King held a private audience with the governor general, the prime minister, and indigenous leaders at Rideau Hall. Camilla was sworn in as a member of the King’s Privy Council of Canada, “recognizing her as an advisor to His Majesty on Canadian affairs,” according to the office of the governor general.
While at Rideau Hall, the royal couple planted a ceremonial blue-beech tree in front of onlookers.
“The presence of Their Majesties at this pivotal moment in our history holds profound significance. It reaffirms the enduring constitutional bond that has shaped Canada’s journey into a proud and independent nation,” Simon said in a statement.
“The Crown’s role in Canada is more than symbolic; it serves as a cornerstone of the democratic freedoms and rights we cherish. The presence of Their Majesties fosters a sense of unity among Canadians, reminding us of the shared values that bring us together — respect, compassion and hope.”
Arrival
Thousands of royal watchers gathered in Ottawa for the arrival of the King and Queen. The trip marked their first visit to Canada since the coronation of King Charles III two years ago.
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Prime Minister Mark Carney greets King Charles as he and Queen Camilla arrive at the Ottawa International Airport in Ottawa for a royal visit, on May 26, 2025. The Canadian Press/Justin Tang
The King and Queen first stopped at Lansdowne Park where they met with community leaders and food vendors. Among those welcoming them to the venue were Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault and Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.
The King also took part in a ceremonial puck drop for a street hockey game at the venue.
‘Our Enduring Tradition’
In a statement released ahead of the King and Queen’s arrival, the Prime Minister’s Office said the visit was a “reminder of the bond between Canada and the Crown” that had been forged over many generations and based on a shared history and values.
The statement added that King Charles’s speech from the throne on May 27 would speak to “our enduring tradition and friendship, to the vitality of our constitutional monarchy and our distinct identity, and to the historic ties that crises only fortify.” This will be the first time a monarch has delivered the throne speech since 1977.
The statement said the speech will outline the Liberal government’s “ambitious plan” to define Canada’s new economic and security relationship with the United States, strengthen the economy, bring down the cost of living, and keep Canadians safe.
Shortly after Carney became prime minister on March 14, he travelled to France to meet with President Emmanuel Macron, before heading to England to meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III. The meetings with the leaders on March 17 were meant to shore up allies and emphasize Canada’s cultural roots amid tensions with the United States.
Beginning in late 2024, U.S. President Donald Trump started referring to Canada as the “51st state” and then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as its “governor,” while repeatedly saying he would like Canada to be part of the United States.
Trump again mentioned the idea of Canada joining the United States during Carney’s visit to the White House on May 6. He said he was still open to it but acknowledged that it takes “two to tango.” Carney said Canadians had been clear that the country is “never for sale.”
King Charles III did not publicly push against Trump’s 51st state remarks, but he has engaged in symbolic gestures of support in recent months. These include wearing his Canadian medals during a visit to a British aircraft carrier, planting a red maple tree on the grounds of Buckingham Palace, and giving his personal Canadian liaison and senior protocol officer in Parliament a sword.
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
