05/26/25 18:45
First Nations leaders urge King Charles to uphold treaty obligations
- Willow Fiddler
King Charles III meets with National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak at Rideau Hall.Pool/Getty Images
When National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak welcomed King Charles III on Monday afternoon at Rideau Hall, she wore around her neck the original treaty medal given to her great-great-great-grandfather Chief Richard Woodhouse when he signed Treaty 2 on August 21, 1871.
The silver coin hanging from a beaded lanyard depicts Queen Victoria on one side, and, on the other, two men shaking hands, one dressed in formal settler clothing and the other in Indigenous regalia. The medallion is steeped in symbolism, commemorating the historic treaty relationship between First Nations and the Crown, and their obligations to protect it for “as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the rivers flow.”
As the King arrived Monday, to deliver the Throne Speech tomorrow, First Nations leaders from treaty territories across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta gathered on Parliament Hill to reaffirm their Indigenous sovereignty and their nation-to-nation relationship with the Crown.
Grand Chief Greg Desjarlais of the Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations in Alberta said in a joint statement that “the presence of King Charles III in Canada is a moment to reflect on that sacred relationship and to remind Canada of its Treaty obligations.”
05/26/25 17:27
Queen Camilla sworn in as member of the King’s Privy Council for Canada
– The Canadian Press
King Charles and Queen Camilla pose with Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife Diana Fox Carney.Victoria Jones/Reuters
The King and Queen Camilla took part in photo ops. One was in the large drawing room at Rideau Hall, with Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife, Diana Fox Carney. The second, which followed Camilla’s swearing-in as a member of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, was held in the reception room at Rideau Hall with Governor-General Mary Simon and Mr. Carney.
05/26/25 16:44
What the Royal visit says about Canadian sovereignty
The Globe asked people who were at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa to see King Charles and Queen Camilla what message their visit sends about Canada's sovereignty.
The Globe and Mail
The Globe asked people who were at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa to see King Charles and Queen Camilla what message their visit sends about Canada’s sovereignty. Here’s what they said.
05/26/25 16:29
King Charles, Prime Minister Carney meet
- Emily Haws
After Governor-General Mary Simon met with King Charles for about 20 minutes, it was Prime Minister Mark Carney’s turn.
Mr. Carney bowed to the King before shaking hands with him.
The two spoke in low voices. The King said it’s great to be here, and Mr. Carney replied that it was an honour to have him here.
05/26/25 16:18
Governor-General Mary Simon tells King Charles: ‘Welcome home’
– Emily Haws
King Charles is holding audiences with Governor-General Mary Simon and Prime Minister Mark Carney this afternoon.
A report says media were ushered into a room with two silver chairs in front of a fireplace and two gold couches on either side.
After walking into the room and shaking hands with the King, Ms. Simon said, ”Welcome home,” adding that the Canadians who came to see him were very happy.
King Charles spoke in a low voice, according to the report, which only caught him saying, “It’s very kind.”
When the two sat down, the media were ushered out of the room.
The King and Queen Camilla will also hold audiences with the leaders of the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council at 5:15 p.m. ET.
05/26/25 16:06
Falafel fit for a king
- Globe staff
Ahmad Altaouil, a Syrian refugee who runs a falafel stand, has been tasked with a royal request. The King, he has been told, wants to try falafel.
“They told me two days ago, ‘The King, he needs to see you,’” he told Globe and Mail reporter Sean Silcoff yesterday. “I said, ‘Are you sure? Are you serious?’ This is a great honour, and I’m a little nervous. This is a very special moment for me.”
Here he is today, preparing pita that will be filled with those delicious fritters of chickpea goodness.
Ahmad Altaouil is cooking up a storm with love and tradition at Lansdowne Park, Ottawa as he expertly flips his Syrian-style falafel wraps. He hopes King Charles will take a bite of one of his dishes during his visit.
05/26/25 15:55
Kids shine at royal visit
- Abyssinia Abebe
A youngster tries to catch a glimpse of King Charles and Queen Camilla outside Rideau Hall.Spencer Colby/The Canadian Press
Perhaps the highlight of the ceremony at Rideau Hall was the children. With some wearing tiaras and colourful gowns and others sitting on their parents’ shoulders to get a glimpse of the King and Queen Camilla, the royal visit really came to life.
05/26/25 15:25
Shaking the King and Queen’s hands ‘an honour’
- Abyssinia Abebe
Among the hundreds who attended the tree-planting ceremony was Jonathan Hesler, who got the chance to shake hands with the King and Queen Camilla. He said the experience was “an honour.’
Mid-interview, Mr. Hesler joined the crowd as they sang O Canada in both English and French.
He said hearing people sing God Save the King is in and of itself symbolic. He said having all these important figures present shows “the rest of Canada and the world” that Canada is a united and sovereign country.
Beyond the political and ceremonial aspects of the visit, Mr. Hesler said, the small, intimate event coupled with a sunny day in Ottawa made it all even more special.
“Everyone here is very friendly. We’re all Canadian, we’re all excited to meet the majesties and have them arrive here in Canada at Rideau Hall.”
05/26/25 15:29
King and Queen to meet with with Prime Minister, Governor-General
- Emily Haws
King Charles reacts next to Queen Camilla and Prime Minister Mark Carney outside Rideau Hall.Blair Gable/Reuters
King Charles and Queen Camilla leave the grounds to enter Rideau Hall.
They are joined by Prime Minister Mark Carney, Governor-General Mary Simon and their respective spouses.
Both Ms. Simon and Mr. Carney will each have audiences with the King, and there will be a photo opportunity after each meeting.
Camilla will also be sworn in as a member of the King’s Privy Council for Canada.
The King and Camilla are also expected to sign the Golden Book, a collection of visitors’ signatures that is preserved in the Library of Parliament.
There will also be a photo opportunity with the vice-regal community, which includes the lieutenant-governors of the provinces and the commissioners of the territories.
05/26/25 15:28
Onlookers sing O Canada as King and Queen depart
- Idella Sturino
A spontaneous eruption of O Canada and a round of applause follow the King and Queen Camilla as they make their way from speaking with well-wishers at the tree-planting ceremony.
05/26/25 15:20
The symbolism of the tree
- Patricia Treble
King Charles raises a shovel after a ceremonial tree planting at Rideau Hall.BEN STANSALL/Reuters
The blue beech (Carpinus caroliniana) ceremonially planted by the King and watered by Queen Camilla was chosen for its “quiet strength” and as a “living symbol of resilience, adaptability, and heritage,” according to Canadian Heritage. And the soil came from every province and territory, assured Rideau Hall. The King gave its trunk a good shake after he’d piled soil at its base.
05/26/25 15:06
The King and Queen arrive at Rideau Hall
- Emily Haws
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at Rideau Hall, the home of Governor General Mary Simon and her husband Whit Fraser.
They are joined by Ms. Simon and Mr. Fraser, along with Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife Diana Fox Carney.
The King and Queen are here to participate in a tree planting ceremony.
Those that have participated in the tree planting tradition include members of the Royal Family, heads of state, and other dignitaries. It’s tradition that dates back to the 1900s, according to notes provided by reporters.
King Charles and Queen Camilla are planting a blue-beech tree, according to the notes. This is the fifth tree that the King has planted, and the second that they have planted together.
A ceremonial spade is used for the planting. It has the names and dates of the people who participated engraved on it.
A few hundred members of the public are also present to watch the ceremony. They cheered as the King, Queen and others arrived and exited the motorcade.
Several also burst into a rendition of God Save The King.
05/26/25 14:34
Two perspectives on King Charles’s visit
– Ijeoma Ukazu
Judy McNally made a beautiful poster board decorated with the Canadian flag and photos of the Duchess of Cambridge, now the Princess of Wales, back in 2011 at Rideau Hall, and she wants King Charles to know that she met his daughter in-law.
The poster board reads: “I met your daughter-in-law.”
Ms. McNally said it would be wonderful to have that kind of experience again.
For her part, Ohemaa Owusu thinks Canada doesn’t need a visit from the King.
“Honestly, I don’t think it really matters. There aren’t that many people here, and I don’t think people really care that much — it’s more of a government thing.”
When asked if she thinks the visit says much about Canada’s identity, Ms. Owusu said, “No, I don’t. I feel like Canada started separating itself from the monarchy back in the late nineties. People even forget sometimes that Canada isn’t a republic. It’s kind of doing its own thing now.”
05/26/25 14:25
King Charles takes part in ceremonial puck drop at Lansdowne Park
- Idella Sturino
King Charles III prepares the puck to launch the hockey match at a community event in Lansdowne Park.Chris Jackson/Getty Images
At Lansdowne Park, the “team captain and His Majesty” was invited to take part in a ceremonial “puck drop” at a children’s street hockey game as the crowd cheered and at least one or two people could be heard shouting, “God save the King!”
05/26/25 14:15
Queen Camilla arrives wearing Queen Elizabeth’s diamond maple leaf brooch
- Idella Sturino
King Charles and Queen Camilla greet people as they visit Lansdowne Park.Hannah McKay/Reuters
Queen Camilla arrived in a pale pink dress wearing the iconic diamond maple leaf brooch given to Queen Elizabeth by King George VI in 1939 before their first royal tour of Canada. It was later passed down to Queen Elizabeth II.
05/26/25 14:11
The small details upon the King and Queen’s arrival
- Patricia Treble
The success or failure of this trip will be determined by the first minutes and hours. So small details upon arrival matter.
The Sovereign’s Flag for Canada hoisted from the cockpit of the RCAF plane as it taxis to a stop in Ottawa? Check.
King Charles III wearing his Order of Canada pin on his lapel? Check.
Queen Camilla wearing a suitably Canadian brooch? Check.
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive in Ottawa on Monday, met by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Governor-General Mary Simon.
The Associated Press
05/26/25 13:58
Crowd waits for imminent arrival of King Charles and Queen Camilla
- Marie Woolf
Well wishers look on before the arrival of Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla at a Lansdowne Park community event in Ottawa.DAVE CHAN/AFP/Getty Images
A Mexican-Canadian dance troupe kicked off the festivities in Lansdowne Park as a large crowd waited for the imminent arrival of King Charles and Queen Camilla, who will be accompanied by the Prime Minister.
Ballet Folkorico Aztlan performs in front of an excited crowd as they await the arrival of King Charles and Queen Camilla at Lansdowne Park on Monday.
The Globe and Mail
The King will “drop the puck” at a children’s street hockey game. The red team‘s coach for the day, former Ottawa Senator Chris Phillips, told the kids to “dream big” in a short speech about how he was drafted into the NHL.
Desiree Scott, a professional soccer player with Ottawa Rapid FC who has played for Canada at the Olympics three times, is the coach for the white team. She also urged everyone to try different sports and “dream big.”
05/26/25 13:47
King and Queen leave Canada Reception Centre in a motorcade
- Emily Haws
King Charles arrives at the Ottawa International Airport in Ottawa for a royal visit with Queen Camilla on Monday.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
King Charles and Queen Camilla are leaving the Canada Reception Centre in a motorcade of black SUVs, headed to Lansdowne Park and TD Place, which is near downtown Ottawa on the Rideau Canal.
05/26/25 13:26
The monarchs and governor-general meet the students
– Abyssinia Abebe
King Charles and Queen Camilla greet school children as they arrive at the Ottawa International Airport in Ottawa for a royal visit.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
King Charles and Queen Camilla, accompanied by the Prime Minister and the Governor-General, are shaking hands with students shortly after touching down. The students are smiling ear-to-ear and chatting excitedly among themselves.
05/26/25 13:22
King Charles and Queen Camilla land in Ottawa
- Emily Haws
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at the Ottawa International Airport in Ottawa for a royal visit on Monday.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
King Charles III and Queen Camilla have arrived at the Canada Reception Centre in Ottawa, where the sun is shining and it’s about 20 degrees Celsius.
They were travelling aboard an RCAF Airbus CC-330 Husky, which was newly acquired by the Canadian Armed Forces.
They are being greeted at the aircraft stairs by two RCMP officers, an honour guard from the Royal Canadian Dragoons, the Canadian Armed Forces Central Band and Donald Booth, the Canadian secretary to the King.
They are also being greeted by dignitaries, including Governor-General Mary Simon, Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ontario Lieutenant-Governor Edith Dumont and Indigenous leaders, including Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed.
The Eagle Island Singers from Kitigan Zibi are also here, as are a number of Quebec and Ontario schoolchildren.
05/26/25 13:15
Almost touching down
- John Fraser and Idella Sturino
The standard of Charles III, King of Canada, flies out of the cockpit window as King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at the Ottawa International Airport in Ottawa for a royal visit, on Monday, May 26, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean KilpatrickSean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
The King’s Standard is flying on an arriving RCAF plane at Ottawa International Airport, along with a slogan meant for more than Canadians: “The True North Strong and Free.”
05/26/25 13:13
The scene on the ground at Ottawa International Airport
– Abyssinia Abebe
King Charles and Queen Camilla's plane arrives at the Ottawa International Airport in Ottawa for a royal visit on Monday.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Hi, this is Abyssinia Abebe, Ottawa bureau intern. I’m at the airport covering King Charles and Queen Camilla’s arrival.
Along with being greeted by politicians and other dignitaries, the King and Camilla are being welcomed by students from Ontario and Quebec.
One of the three school groups at the airport comprises students enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program,, according to notes provided to the media.
The international award program was started by the late Prince Philip – King Charles’ father — in 1956 to help youth aged 14 to 24 develop skills, serve their communities, stay active and pursue adventure.
Award co-ordinator Marika Bujaki said all 52 students completing the program were able to make it to the airport to meet the King and Camilla.
“They are very excited to meet his Majesty,” Ms. Bujaki said. “When they were asked to hand in their permission forms, I got all of them almost immediately.”
For Abigail Gambicourt, a Grade 12 student, meeting the Royal Family, the Prime Minister and the Governor-General is “ just really exciting. We didn’t expect this at all.”
She said “everyone was so excited, screaming and giggling” when the trip was announced, adding that some members of her group were even practising their English accents.
05/26/25 13:13
Canadians fly in from around the country to see the King
– Marie Woolf
Well wishers wave flags before the arrival of King Charles and Queen Camilla at a Lansdowne Park community event in Ottawa, Canada on May 26.DAVE CHAN/AFP/Getty Images
At Lansdowne Park in Ottawa, where the King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit a farmers’ market and watch a display of Indigenous dancing and a street hockey game, a crowd of onlookers had gathered by mid-morning, along with a tiny group of protesters carrying anti-monarchist placards.
Canadians have flown in from across the country to catch a glimpse of the royal couple.
Among them is Daphne La Croix, who has brought her corgi Giselle with her, from central Quebec. The francophone said it has long been a “dream” to meet the royals. She brought her corgi because it was the favourite breed of the late Queen Elizabeth. “The monarchy is a personal passion of mine,” she said.
Konstantino Karafotias, 14, flew with his parents from Vancouver. He waited behind the barrier at Lansdowne Park for hours, hoping the King and Queen would stop to speak to him. “I love the fashion, the tiaras. I watched the whole coronation. It’s the pomp and pageantry. It’s everything,” he said.
Jenna Kocik flew in from Yellowknife and was carrying a handbag Camilla herself owns, hoping she would recognize it. She said the King’s visit was historic. “I think it is important for him to come here because of what is happening politically. Canadian sovereignty is important, and I think he recognizes it and he is showing that in a subtle way,” she said.
Demonstrators hold signs on the day Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla visit Lansdowne Park during a two-day visit in Ottawa.Evan Buhler/Reuters
A few protesters stood behind the barriers, two of them holding placards that read “Not my King” and “Charles is not my King and neither is Mark Carney.”
05/26/25 13:01
Canadians decorating in royal style for the occasion
– Ann Hui
Robert Brown, 64, and daughter Maggie decorated their vehicle - a Dutch cargo bike - for the occasion. Attached to the bike were Canada flag themed pinwheels. “It’s amazing what you can get at Dollarama and duct tape,” he said. “You should see what we do for Christmas.Ann Hui/The Globe and Mail
Robert Brown, 64, and daughter Maggie decorated their vehicle – a Dutch cargo bike – for the occasion. Attached to the bike were Canadian flag-themed pinwheels. “It’s amazing what you can get at Dollarama and duct tape,” Mr. Brown said. “You should see what we do for Christmas.”
05/26/25 12:58
The sovereign’s role in this political climate
– John Fraser
A constitutional sovereign doesn’t get to express what he really thinks about politics – here, there or anywhere. But the degree of scrutiny of just about everything King Charles says and does on this short but historic trip is almost unprecedented, thanks to the heated rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump and his chatter about Canada becoming the 51st state.
05/26/25 12:43
Governor-General Mary Simon has arrived
– John Fraser
The Governor-General is arriving. Mary Simon and her partner, Whit Fraser, are getting to play a much bigger role on this royal visit than any previous governors-general. Traditionally, governors-general are supposed to simply disappear when the sovereign is present. But the office has become less reticent on these occasions, and this evolution really got going when Adrienne Clarkson was governor-general.
05/26/25 12:40
A new Speaker is elected
– Ian Bailey
Speaker of the House of Commons Francis Scarpaleggia rises after being elected by colleagues in the House of Commons on Monday.Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
Montreal-area MP Francis Scarpaleggia has been elected Speaker of the House of the Commons as MPs gather for their first sitting since mid-December.
Mr. Scarpaleggia, the MP for Lac-Saint-Louis in Quebec, will preside over the Commons after last month’s federal election, which saw the Liberals re-elected to form a minority government.
The Speaker’s most visible role is presiding over the House, refereeing debates, moderating Question Period and only voting in the event of a tie.
The post comes with a $99,900 top-up to the $209,800 MP salary.
05/26/25 12:36
Soccer is still king in Britain
– Paul Waldie
If there is one thing in Britain that can top the Royal Family when it comes to media attention, it’s soccer. And on Monday, the King’s visit to Canada is having a tough time competing with three big soccer celebrations.
Fans of Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Arsenal women have been gathering by the thousands all day to bask in the glory of various titles.
Liverpool coasted to the Premier League title this year and finished the season Sunday 10 points ahead of Arsenal.
In Liverpool, more than 700,000 people have jammed the city’s downtown streets to catch a glimpse of the open-top bus carrying the players and to sing a mass rendition of the club’s anthem, You’ll Never Walk Alone.
There’s another parade taking place in south London, where thousands of supporters of Crystal Palace are celebrating the club’s FA Cup win last week, its first ever major trophy. And in north London, there’s a huge turnout of “Gooners” feting Arsenal’s women’s team, who beat Barcelona in the Champions League final Saturday.
Needless to say, all three celebrations have been getting wall-to-wall media coverage, leaving little room for King Charles in Ottawa.
05/26/25 12:13
A family tradition to see the royals
– Ann Hui
Helen Clark was born in the U.K. and raised in Ottawa.Ann Hui/The Globe and Mail
Hi, I’m Ann Hui, the generations reporter at The Globe and Mail. I’ll be writing from Ottawa over the next couple of days on the crowds gathered to see King Charles and Queen Camilla.
But first, I’m here at this flag shop in the Glebe, where owner Alan McLaughlin is often the first to know about visiting foreign dignitaries and VIPs. He started noticing a small bump in sales of Union Jacks and British flag pins about a week ago. “It’s always the first sign,” he said.
Helen Clark was in earlier this morning, picking up Union Jacks for her two grandchildren. Ms. Clark was born in the U.K. and raised in Ottawa, where her own mother would take her to see the royals whenever they came to visit. Now she’s passing on the tradition to her own grandchildren.
“It’s important. This could be the last time the King comes to Canada,” she said, referring to his recent health troubles. “I hope it’s not.”
She said she has “brainwashed” her grandchildren to care about the royals as much as she does – that the monarchy is as much a family tradition as it is a Canadian one.
“I always go,” she said of the many royal visits over the years. “They” – King Charles and Camilla – “would miss me if I’m not there.”
05/26/25 11:46
The atmosphere at the Ottawa farmers’ market is electric
– Sarah Espedido and Ijeoma Ukazu
On a crisp, sunny day at the Lansdowne Farmers’ Market, some enthusiastic Canadians have gathered in anticipation of the King’s visit to Ottawa. The atmosphere is electric, with an air of excitement and reverence.
People gather at Lansdowne Farmers’ Market in Ottawa ahead of King Charles III's visit.Sarah Espedido/The Globe and Mail
05/26/25 11:16
MPs gather in the House of Commons to vote for next Speaker
– The Canadian Press
MPs cast their ballots for a new Speaker in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill on Tuesday.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
The newly elected MPs gathered in the House of Commons on Monday to decide who will become the next Speaker of the House of Commons.
Two candidates have already withdrawn from the running. Conservative MPs Chris d’Entremont — a former deputy Speaker — and John Nater had put their names forward but withdrew at the last minute.
Liberal MP Greg Fergus, the last Speaker, is seeking to win the role back — although critics accused him in the last Parliament of being overly partisan.
Former deputy government House leader and Liberal MP Sherry Romanado is vying for the role, as are several other Liberal MPs.
Liberals Sean Casey, Rob Oliphant, Francis Scarpaleggia and Alexandra Mendès all have put their names forward.
The candidates for Speaker each have been allotted five minutes to address the House before members vote by preferential secret ballot.
The vote is being presided over by Louis Plamondon, currently the longest-serving MP.
05/26/25 11:06
Carney welcomes King and Queen to Canada
– The Canadian Press
Prime Minister Mark Carney has issued a statement welcoming the King and Queen to Canada.
“The Royal Visit is a reminder of the bond between Canada and the Crown – one forged over generations, shaped by shared histories and grounded in common values. A bond that, over time, has evolved, just as Canada has, to reflect the strength, diversity and confidence of our people,” Carney said in the statement.
The prime minister said that tomorrow’s Throne Speech will describe the government’s plan “to define a new economic and security relationship with the United States, to build the strongest economy in the G7, to bring down the cost of living, and to keep communities safe.”
05/26/25 11:01
First Nations leaders to urge King Charles to protect treaty rights
– Willow Fiddler
First Nations leaders say they will work to share their concerns with King Charles III over efforts by Ottawa and provincial governments to fast-track major resource projects and legislation without consultations and consent, calling them an attack on their treaty rights and nations.
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak and Algonquins of Pikwakanagan Chief Greg Sarazin will be part of a delegation of Indigenous leaders welcoming the King upon his arrival in Ottawa on Monday.
The meeting will come after weeks of concern among First Nations over proposed legislation in British Columbia and Ontario. The bills are intended to expedite energy and infrastructure projects as a way of offsetting damage from U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war, but the nations say the moves may trample their inherent and treaty rights over their lands. Prime Minister Mark Carney has likewise promised to fast-track approvals of resource projects.
Indigenous nations are also concerned about an Alberta bill that would make it easier for citizen groups to initiate provincial referendums, including possible votes on separation from Canada. Some First Nations in the province say this would violate treaties signed with the Crown.
05/26/25 10:47
The role of Governor-General Mary Simon during this historic trip
– John Fraser
Governor-General Mary Simon looks on during a cabinet swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on May 13, 2025.Spencer Colby/The Canadian Press
It will also be interesting to note how much of a spotlight will be shone on Canada’s Governor-General, the Right Honourable Mary Simon, during the historic trip by King Charles III.
The tradition in all the realms such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand, which govern themselves according to the Westminster tradition of an elected parliament with a symbolic head of state, sees the governor-general simply taking a back seat whenever the reigning sovereign is in the country.
This time around it looks as if Ms. Simon is being given a strong supporting role. She will be seen in close proximity to the King and Queen Camilla at most of the events being scheduled today and tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how this all works out.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions have not only upended much of the United States, they have also brought Canadian sovereignty into focus, and it looks as if the new government is hoping to deploy traditional ceremonial positions to buttress the country’s distinctiveness.
05/26/25 10:32
Looking back at the King’s past visits to Canada
– Paul Waldie
The Royal Family’s Instagram account has been highlighting the King’s trip to Canada by looking back at his previous visits – 19 in total.
One post includes a series of shots of a young Prince Charles meeting Canadians on Parliament Hill in 1975, scuba diving at Resolute Bay in Nunavut that year and opening the 1983 World University Games in Edmonton.
Another post concentrates on his first visit in 1970 with a collection of black-and-white photos. Among them are shots of the 21-year-old Prince of Wales touring the House of Commons and standing alongside Governor-General Roland Michener.
Prince Charles joined his mother, Queen Ellizabeth II, on that trip, and another shot shows the Queen kicking off the 1970 Commonwealth Games Baton Relay by handing the baton to former track star Abigail “Abby” Hoffman. The Games were held in Edinburgh that year, but the relay began in Yellowknife.
The posts prompted a comment from the account of Prince Emmanuel of Belgium, who is third in line to the Belgian throne: “May God bless Europe and our great friends in Canada.”
Here’s a photo gallery looking back at King Charles’s royal visits to Canada.
05/26/25 10:19
The main purpose of King Charles’s visit to Canada
– John Fraser
A small tote bag with a portrait of King Charles III is pictured through a glass window of a local flag shop in Ottawa's Glebe neighbourhood on Sunday.Spencer Colby/The Globe and Mail
Hi. My name is John Fraser. I study the role of the Crown in Canada and today I will be looking for both historical resonances of its role in the country as well as any innovations our government is planning on asking King Charles III to do.
The arrival of the King and Queen Camilla for his first visit as reigning sovereign may be short (less than 24 hours), but it may also be the most consequential visit by royalty to Canada since his grandfather, King George VI, came in 1939 – the first reigning sovereign to do so. The reason is simple: Donald Trump.
The U.S. President has challenged Canadian sovereignty and set off a combustible mix of both anger and positive national feeling very few Canadians living today have ever experienced to such a degree.
Arts groups such as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Canadian Opera Company have started playing the national anthem prior to performances. Talk of Quebec separatism has taken a back seat to the challenges from south of the border. And the new Prime Minister has formally announced that the whole postwar order of trade and allied defence co-operation is “over.” Canada has to find new ways and new partners.
Into this volatile situation the King of Canada is arriving. He has to remain above politics, but on Tuesday he is expected not only to outline the government’s legislative program – that’s what a Speech from the Throne is all about – but reinforce Canadian national pride as well.
How the government handles this historic trip and how the King himself handles it will be closely watched around the world – probably even in the newly gold-encrusted Oval Office of the White House.
05/26/25 10:08
In Britain, the King’s visit to Canada is getting a lot of attention
- Paul Waldie
The royal trip is having to battle for attention in the U.K. with the Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling, where participants chase a three-kilogram wheel of Double Gloucester down a hill.Kin Cheung/The Associated Press
Hi there. I’m The Globe and Mail’s Europe correspondent based in London.
It’s a holiday in Britain, but the King’s visit to Canada is still getting a lot of attention. Yesterday an Italian journalist here asked me if I knew the time of the Throne Speech on Tuesday because she wants to tune in (4 p.m. in the U.K.).
Much of the media coverage has highlighted the importance of the King’s trip and how it’s designed to send a message to U.S. President Donald Trump.
“The King’s Canada visit should teach Trump a lesson,” read a headline on an editorial in The Daily Telegraph. “While the monarch is usually well advised to steer away from overt political controversy, when it comes to underlining his commitment to a country of which he is head of state there can be no compunction,” the paper said.
“King travels to support Canada as it fends off Trump,” said the BBC.
The royal trip is having to battle for attention with the Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling, where participants chase a three-kilogram wheel of Double Gloucester down Cooper’s Hill near Gloucester. The BBC is running live coverage of the cheese races, which have been taking place for 600 years or so.
05/26/25 10:00
King Charles’s schedule in Ottawa on Monday
- Globe Staff
Ottawa Police Service (OPS) cruisers are seen near Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Sunday.Spencer Colby/The Globe and Mail
King Charles III and Queen Camilla will arrive in Ottawa around 1 p.m. Monday and will be welcomed by Governor-General Mary Simon, Prime Minister Mark Carney, Indigenous leaders and Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario Edith Dumont. An arrival guard from the Royal Canadian Dragoons, a senior regiment of the Canadian Armed Forces, will also be present.
Following their arrival, the royals will travel to Lansdowne Park to meet with community members and the public.
Later, they will make their way to Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor-General and of the King and Queen while in Canada.
They will participate in a ceremonial tree planting, then hold audiences with Ms. Simon and Mr. Carney at Rideau Hall.
05/26/25 10:00
Pageantry and spectacle to mark King Charles’s visit to Ottawa
- Globe Staff
People walk past a stall at the Ottawa Farmers' Market at Lansdowne Park on Sunday. King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to visit the farmers' market as part of their tour.Spencer Colby/The Globe and Mail
King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s trip to Canada on Monday kicks off a highly symbolic two-day visit demonstrating support for Canada’s identity and independence.
The royal visit will feature pomp and pageantry, including the planting of a ceremonial tree at Rideau Hall, full military honours with a 21-gun salute and an RCMP Musical Ride horse-drawn landau ride past Parliament Hill.
But there is also an underlying purpose to the King’s visit. The monarch will not only read the Throne Speech to open the 45th session of Parliament on Tuesday, but also, it is hoped, reinforce the idea that Canada has no interest in changing its status as a sovereign country and Commonwealth member to become the 51st U.S. state – as U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly demanded.
It is the first time a British monarch has carried out the duty since his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth, did so in October, 1977. It is also the King’s first visit to Canada as monarch, though it marks his 20th trip here.
The 76-year-old King is still undergoing cancer treatment, which has limited his workload, so the two-day trip demonstrates his commitment to Canada, one of 15 countries of which he is monarch.