King Charles III and Queen Camilla have arrived in Ottawa for a historic two-day visit to Canada. The royal couple’s trip, filled with ceremonies and symbolic gestures, is meant to show strong support for Canada’s independence during a time of tension with the United States.
The visit began on Monday afternoon when the King and Queen landed at Ottawa’s Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. They were warmly welcomed by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, his wife Diana Fox Carney, Governor General Mary Simon, and leaders from Canada’s Indigenous communities. Schoolchildren, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and military personnel were also present to greet them.
This is King Charles’s first visit to Canada since becoming monarch, although he had visited the country many times before as the Prince of Wales. Queen Camilla wore a light pink outfit and a diamond maple leaf brooch that once belonged to the Queen Mother, while the King wore a dark red tie.
Prime Minister Carney recently won an election based on his strong stance against US President Donald Trump, who has made controversial remarks about Canada, including suggesting it should become the 51st US state. The King’s visit is seen as a response to these statements and a sign of solidarity with Canada.
After arriving, the royal couple attended a community festival at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa. They met with local farmers, vendors, and youth, and the King took part in a ceremonial street hockey puck drop. They later participated in a traditional tree-planting ceremony at Rideau Hall, the Governor General’s official residence. The tree they planted—a Blue Beech—is native to Canada and symbolizes friendship and cooperation.
The highlight of the visit will take place on Tuesday when King Charles delivers the Speech from the Throne in Canada’s Senate. This marks the opening of the 45th session of Parliament. It will be the first time a monarch has delivered the speech in Canada since Queen Elizabeth II did so in 1977. The King’s address will outline the government’s priorities and is expected to strongly affirm Canada’s sovereignty and independence.
The King is expected to wear a suit for the event, reflecting a more modern and modest style compared to the traditional robes worn at similar events in the UK. A royal escort, a 100-person guard of honour, and a 21-gun salute will accompany the King and Queen to Parliament.
After the speech, the royal couple will visit the National War Memorial in Ottawa to pay their respects to Canadian soldiers before concluding their visit and leaving the country.
This royal visit carries deep symbolic meaning. As the head of state for both the UK and Canada, the King is known for his careful diplomatic approach. While maintaining warm relations with President Trump in his UK role, including sending him a personal invitation for a state visit, the King is expected to support Canada’s firm stance on its independence during his time in Ottawa.
Earlier this year, King Charles made several symbolic gestures to show his support for Canada. These included wearing Canadian medals during a naval visit, sitting on a Canadian chair during the Commonwealth Service in London, and choosing a maple tree—Canada’s national symbol—for a tree-planting ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Governor General Mary Simon said the King’s visit “highlights the enduring relationship between Canada and the Crown.” Prime Minister Carney echoed that sentiment, calling the visit “a historic honour that matches the weight of our times.”
As political tensions rise between Canada and the US, the presence of the King is seen not only as a celebration of tradition but also as a clear message: Canada stands proud, united, and independent.