OTTAWA — In a rare and historic event, King Charles III will deliver the Speech from the Throne in Canada’s Senate Chamber on Tuesday, marking the first time in 68 years that a reigning British monarch has opened a session of Parliament in Canada.
The visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Mark Carney, comes at a politically charged moment for the country. It underscores the King’s ongoing commitment to Canada—one of 15 Commonwealth realms where he serves as head of state—despite undergoing cancer treatment that has limited his public schedule.
“The King, as head of state, will reinforce the power and the strength of Canada’s message to the world,” said Ralph Goodale, Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
A Symbolic Stand for Sovereignty
The visit is widely seen as a symbolic affirmation of Canadian sovereignty, particularly in light of repeated—and controversial—remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has suggested that Canada should become the “51st state.” Those comments were met with fierce resistance from Canadians and played a role in Carney’s recent election victory.
“The prime minister has made it clear: Canada is not for sale now, and is not for sale ever,” Goodale reiterated.
While King Charles maintains a neutral political role, his actions in recent months—wearing Canadian decorations, referring to himself as King of Canada, and speaking fondly of the Canadian flag—have been widely interpreted as subtle signals of support.
Throne Speech Tradition: A Rare Royal Moment
The King’s address will mark just the third time in Canadian history that a monarch has delivered a Speech from the Throne in person. The ceremonial event opens each new session of Parliament and outlines the sitting government’s legislative agenda.
The last time a sovereign performed this duty in Canada was in 1957, when Queen Elizabeth II opened Parliament during her first royal tour as Queen.
To honour tradition, Charles and Queen Camilla will arrive at Parliament Hill in a ceremonial horse-drawn carriage, escorted by 28 horses, where they will enter the Senate Chamber to read a 25-minute address prepared by Carney’s government.
“It’s a momentous occasion—one that brings Canadians together in celebration of our rich history, our democracy, and the institutions that serve us all,” said Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture.
A Whirlwind Two-Day Visit
The royal couple will land in Ottawa on Monday for a brief two-day visit, the King’s first to Canada since ascending the throne in September 2022. On the first day, they will:
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Tour a large city park and meet with local artists and vendors
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Take part in a ceremonial puck drop at a street hockey demonstration
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Plant a tree as a gesture of continuity and renewal
A Delicate Diplomatic Moment
While the visit celebrates Canada’s constitutional monarchy, it also comes at a time of diplomatic balancing. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly attempting to keep lines open with Trump on issues like Ukraine and trade. Earlier this year, Starmer’s visit to the White House featured mention of an unprecedented second state visit invitation from King Charles to Trump—an overture that has reportedly irked Canadian officials.
Still, the King’s decision to travel during a period of personal health difficulty sends a clear message.
“This visit is not just ceremonial—it’s deeply meaningful,” said a senior government official. “It reaffirms the shared values between Canada and the Crown, especially in uncertain times.”
