King Charles arrived in Ottawa on Monday for a two-day visit seen as symbolical, reaffirming his role as Canada’s constitutional monarch amid ongoing political debate fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestions about annexing Canada.
Accompanied by Queen Camilla, the King was welcomed by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Governor General Mary Simon. At Carney’s invitation, Charles will open parliament on Tuesday — the first time a British monarch has done so in Canada since Queen Elizabeth in 1957.
Despite currently undergoing cancer treatment, the 76-year-old King’s visit signals his commitment to Canada, one of the 15 countries where he remains sovereign.
Trump’s repeated comments about annexing Canada were a notable topic in last month’s Canadian federal election, where Carney emphasized Canada’s independence. Ralph Goodale, Canada’s envoy to the UK, said the King’s visit supports Canada’s message of sovereignty.
In recent months, Charles has expressed his connection to Canada by wearing Canadian medals, referring to himself as “king of Canada,” and praising the country’s flag.
The visit comes during a delicate diplomatic period. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is seeking to maintain strong relations with the U.S. on issues like Ukraine and trade, having invited Trump for a second state visit to the UK earlier this year — a decision that drew criticism from some Canadians.
This is King Charles’ first visit to Canada since his accession in 2022. On Monday, the royal couple visited a park in Ottawa, met local artists and vendors, took part in a ceremonial street hockey puck drop, and planted a tree.
On Tuesday, Charles will deliver the “speech from the throne” in the Canadian Senate, arriving in a horse-drawn carriage escorted by 28 horses. This will be only the third time a reigning monarch has delivered the speech in Canada.
Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault described the visit as an important occasion highlighting Canada’s history and democratic institutions. The Prime Minister’s Office called it a historic event reflecting the country’s constitutional monarchy and identity.
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