Ottawa (Canada). – King Charles III has arrived in Canada for a historic and symbolic two-day visit. This marks his first trip to the country since his coronation and his 20th visit overall. The highlight: delivering the Speech from the Throne on Tuesday to open the 45th session of Canada Parliament.
This will be the first time a reigning king opens a Canadian parliamentary session. The last time a monarch did so was in 1977, when Queen Elizabeth II addressed Parliament.
Canada Parliament: King Charles’s Visit Underscores Canadian Sovereignty
The King’s presence comes at a politically charged moment. Prime Minister Mark Carney, recently elected, extended the rare invitation as a strategic response to growing tensions with the United States.
Former US President Donald Trump has repeatedly called Canada the “51st state” and imposed trade tariffs on Canadian goods. In contrast, Carney has vowed to protect Canadian sovereignty and reduce dependence on U.S. trade.
“This is a historic honour that matches the weight of our times,” Carney said. “The King’s visit clearly underscores the sovereignty of our country.”
Canada Parliament: Full Royal Pageantry in Ottawa
King Charles and Queen Camilla landed at Macdonald-Cartier International Airport at 13:15 EST on Monday. They were welcomed by Carney, Governor General Mary Simon, and leaders from Canada’s First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.
The royal couple’s itinerary includes:
- A cultural showcase at Lansdowne Park
- A tree-planting ceremony at Rideau Hall
- Private meetings with the Governor General and the Prime Minister
Tuesday in Canada Parliament, A Day of Ceremony and Speech
On Tuesday morning, the royal couple will arrive at Canada’s Senate in a horse-drawn carriage, accompanied by a 28-horse escort and a 100-person military guard. A 21-gun salute will mark the occasion.
At 11:00 EST, King Charles will read the Speech from the Throne, outlining the Carney government’s plans. The 25-minute address will detail a shift in economic policy away from the U.S., focusing on internal trade and international alliances.
After the speech, the King and Queen will visit the National War Memorial to honour Canada’s fallen soldiers. They are expected to depart Ottawa later that day.
Royal Support Through Symbolism
Though constitutionally non-political, King Charles has made subtle gestures of solidarity with Canada. This year alone, he has:
- Referred to himself as the “King of Canada”
- Worn Canadian military medals
- Chosen a maple tree for a ceremonial planting at Buckingham Palace
- Sat on a Canadian chair during the Commonwealth Service in London
Such acts are seen as symbolic affirmations of Canada’s independence and identity.
A Constitutional Monarchy in Action
Canada is a constitutional monarchy, meaning the King is head of state, while Prime Minister Carney is head of government. The Speech from the Throne, typically read by the Governor General, lays out the government’s priorities for the parliamentary session.
This visit is being seen not only as a ceremonial moment, but as a powerful assertion of national identity at a time when Canada faces both external pressures and domestic political change.
King Charles’s visit is more than just royal tradition—it is a moment of political significance, national pride, and global symbolism. With tensions rising between Canada and the U.S., the monarch’s presence sends a clear message: Canada stands sovereign and united.
Parlement du Canada: Parliament of Canada
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