OTTAWA – On Friday morning, crews were busy in downtown Ottawa applying a protective coating on bronze statues around the National War Memorial in preparation for an imminent significant royal visit scheduled for Monday. King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to arrive in Canada for their first visit since the coronation over two years ago.
Royal observers highlight the importance of this trip for multiple reasons. Robert Finch, chairman of the Monarchist League of Canada, expressed his surprise regarding the King's upcoming role in opening Canada's Parliament and delivering a throne speech, which historically has been carried out by the Governor General. He stated, “If you would have told me six months, even three months ago, that the King would be opening Canada’s Parliament, I wouldn’t have believed you.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney formally invited King Charles to open Parliament, recalling similar visits by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957 and 1977. The throne speech aims to communicate the government's legislative priorities, serving as a clear signal to both Canadians and audiences beyond Canada’s borders. Carney underscored this sentiment, stating, “Canada has a steadfast defender in our sovereign.”
Historian and royal commentator Carolyn Harris emphasized that this historical moment allows Canada to showcase its distinctive history, especially in light of the current geopolitical climate, including threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to transform Canada into the 51st state. She noted that during this visit, King Charles is represented not as a foreign dignitary or a representative of the UK but as the head of state of Canada.
The visit comes amid ongoing tensions in U.S.-Canada relations, with Harris commenting on the King navigating "a delicate diplomatic situation" while being advised by various Canadian prime ministers. Notably, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer had requested the King to invite Trump for a second state visit—an unprecedented move for the monarchy. Despite understanding the apolitical nature of the Royals, Harris recognized the influence of contemporary political dynamics on royal tours.
King Charles and Queen Camilla will initiate their visit at a farmers market and community event at Lansdowne Park on Monday afternoon, leading to a tree-planting ceremony and more formal events at Rideau Hall. The much-anticipated throne speech will follow a procession down Wellington Street, attracting large crowds around Parliament Hill.
The royal couple will be escorted in a landau—a horse-drawn carriage manned by the RCMP's musical ride unit—accompanied by mounted members and RCMP in ceremonial uniforms. Upon their arrival at the Senate building, the King will receive full military honors, including a 21-gun salute, and will inspect an honor guard and band.
Prime Minister Carney has stressed the importance of reflecting Canada’s foundation representing three peoples: Indigenous, French, and British. Tuesday's events will include the participation of Indigenous leaders, a First Nations drum group, a Métis fiddler, and an Inuit elder lighting a ceremonial lamp. Grand Chief Kyra Wilson of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs mentioned that Indigenous participation symbolizes recognition, emphasizing, “First Nations people are the first peoples of this land.”
The throne speech, anticipated to garner significant attention, will be written and delivered in both official languages. The event is expected to breathe new life into discussions regarding the monarchy's status in Canada. Recent polling from Leger indicated that 63 percent of Canadians felt it was time to reassess ties with the monarchy, a response Finch attributes to public apathy rather than a strong move towards republicanism. However, he posits that pressure has increased for the King to assert a presence in light of external threats to Canadian sovereignty.
As Finch noted, the throne speech stands as potentially the biggest act by a monarch in Canada since Queen Elizabeth II signed the Constitution in 1982. He remarked, “It’s going to be one of those events that 25, 50, 75 years from now, you will look back at pictures and say, ‘That was a pivotal moment in the history of the country.’”
