King Charles and Queen Camilla depart Canada after two-day visit, historic Throne Speech

05/27/25 14:15

The notable attendees for King Charles’s visit

- Globe Staff

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Current and former politicians and sports figures were spotted during the royal visit, including but not limited to:

• Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party
• Justin Trudeau, 23rd prime minister of Canada
• Stephen Harper, 22nd prime minister of Canada
• Kim Campbell, 19th prime minister of Canada
• Adrienne Clarkson, former governor-general of Canada
• Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK)
• Assembly of First Nations Chief Cindy Woodhouse
• Chris Phillips, former defenceman for the Ottawa Senators

05/27/25 13:55

London, Ont., resident says his Union Jack flag a sign of Canadian resistance to U.S.

-Ian Bailey

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Thanks to the massive Union Jack flag he was carrying, Kent Truscott stood out from the crowd departing the area around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in downtown Ottawa.

With the royal couple en route by motorcade to Ottawa International Airport for the trip home to Britain, people were trying to find their way from where they had crammed in for view of the King and Camilla laying a wreath.

Mr. Truscott, a resident of London in southwestern Ontario who wielded his flag on a pole about the length of a hockey stick, said he was making a point with the display.

“I am Canadian. We have a King who has come to support Canada in a very uncertain time,” he said as his brother stood nearby, wielding a Canadian flag.

Mr. Truscott said Canada is not for sale and the King was delivering that message with this week’s events: “This is entirely a message to the U.S. administration.”

He noted that the King had talked about such issues as diversity and sovereignty in the Throne Speech – seemingly a rebuttal to U.S. President Donald Trump, who has mused about annexing Canada.

“I hope he watches this, or someone explains it to him,” said Mr. Truscott, referring to the U.S. leader.

He added that his Union Jack was Canadian made, purchased at a flag shop in London.

05/27/25 13:50

King Charles, Queen Camilla take off, ending historic two-day trip to Canada

-Emily Haws

The RCAF aircraft carrying King Charles and Queen Camilla has taken off from Ottawa​ International Airport.

05/27/25 13:40

Watch: ‘The true north is indeed strong and free,’ says King Charles in historic Throne Speech

-Globe Staff

05/27/25 13:30

Proud Canadians slept in their car to see the King

-Ijeoma Ukazu

As King Charles wrapped up his two-day visit, two proud Canadians from Brantford, Ont., made sure they wouldn’t miss a moment — even if it meant sleeping in their car.

Kim Long and her daughter Darien drove nearly seven hours and spent the night parked near the royal motorcade route, securing a prime viewing spot outside the hotel early in the morning.

“It was well worth it,” said Ms. Long, who was born in London. “We were glad to be part of history.”

Asked what stood out most, she didn’t hesitate: “When they came by in the horse-drawn carriage, with the horses from the musical ride, it was just amazing. We also saw Prime Minister Mark Carney, which was exciting.”

As the King departed, she offered a heartfelt message: “We want him to know we love and support him. It was wonderful to see such a big turnout.”

Her daughter said her mother instilled in her a deep admiration for the Royal Family. “I’ve always appreciated their grace, poise and elegance,” she said.

05/27/25 13:20

King Charles, Queen Camilla arrive at Ottawa International Airport for return flight home

-Emily Haws

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King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived in a large motorcade and immediately walk toward the back of the plane, where they greet the staff members working on it.

The King is speaking to a few of the guards, before walking toward a line of Ottawa police officers. He and Queen Camilla shake hands with the officers, and it seems the King is joking a bit with them.

The King and the group of officers pose for a photo to commemorate the event.

The royal couple also pose for a photo with the federal staff who worked the trip, then stop to shake hands and speak to them.

They then walk to speak to Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault, both shaking his hand, and walk along a red carpet with honour guard members on either side.

The King and Camilla salute the guard and then turn to walk up the airport steps. They wave goodbye to the people assembled on the tarmac, then turn to enter the aircraft.

It has been a short but significant trip to Canada.

05/27/25 13:10

Honour guard awaits arrival of King at Ottawa International Airport

-Emily Haws

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The Canada Reception Centre at Ottawa International Airport is quieter today than it was yesterday, as people get ready to see King Charles and Queen Camilla off after a short trip to Canada.

The plane that will carry them home is already on the tarmac. It’s an RCAF Airbus CC-330 Husky, which was newly acquired by the military.

An honour guard from the Royal Canadian Dragoons is here once again, as is Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault.

05/27/25 13:07

King Charles’ visit showcased Canada multiculturalism

-Ijeoma Ukazu

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Greta Chase witnessed King Charles III’s visit to Canada, attending events at Lansdowne Park yesterday and the Senate today, She highlighted the significance of the King’s exposure to Canada’s multiculturalism, saying, “The King will take home a lot of memory about Canada as a nation filled with brightness and colour that symbolizes our uniqueness and greatness.”

Ms. Chase emphasized the importance of unity and connection in Canadian society, stating, “We need the connection, we need the unity. It is essential now that we showcase our multicultural landscape, so people know and respect it.”

She appreciated the multicultural display, hoping it would showcase Canada’s inclusivity to the world, including Americans who might not be aware of Canada’s diversity.

“It was kind of nice that they had all that multicultural at the opening, so if Mr. Donald Trump is looking at it, he would see that we are stronger and this is part of the Canadian identity and not think of taking it away but rather accepting Canadians for their differences,” she said.

As a fashion enthusiast, she admired Queen Camilla’s attire. “I love the Queen’s brooch on her gown. There’s a lot of history there.”

05/27/25 13:05

Does King Charles speak French?

– Globe staff

Yes, King Charles III does indeed speak French. During the Throne Speech, he methodically switched between English and French.

In 2023, he became the first member of the Royal Family to address parliamentarians in the French Senate Chamber when he made his first trip to the country as King.

He is also known to speak German. That same year, on a state visit to Germany, he delivered a speech partly in German at the Bellevue Palace in Berlin.

Oh, he also speaks Welsh. Before becoming King, he was the Prince of Wales – the longest-serving in history – and to prepare for the role, he spent a term at Aberystwyth University learning Welsh, according to the Royal Family.

05/27/25 13:00

King Charles, Queen Camilla pay their respects at the National War Memorial

-Ian Bailey

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“This is better than Canada Day,” a spectator, one among hundreds, said as the royal couple paid their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Fighter jets flew over the area, punctuating the proceedings, as thick crowds shuffled about, trying to get a better view.

A group of uniformed members of the Canadian Armed Forces saluted the King and Queen Camilla — but declined to comment when asked what the moment meant to them.

05/27/25 12:40

Visit to National War Memorial underlines Canada’s resiliency to outside threats

-Patricia Treble

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“This year, we mark the 80th anniversary of V-E Day and V-J Day. On Juno Beach, at Dieppe, on the Somme, at Beaumont-Hamel, at Ypres, and on Vimy Ridge. … At those places, and many others, forever etched into our memories, Canadians fought and died alongside our closest allies,” the King said in the Throne Speech.

He then left the Senate to honour Canada’s war dead at the National War Memorial.

05/27/25 12:37

‘American monarchist’ travelled from Maryland to see the King, protest Trump

-Abyssinia Abebe

He made an eight-and-a-half-hour trip from the United States. Now, as the royal pomp and circumstance come to an end, he says it was worth the sleepless overnight drive.

Rushad Thomas, who identifies as an American monarchist, drove up to Ottawa from Hyattsville, Md., to show his “love and respect for Canada as a sovereign country.” He says the royal couple did a great job affirming that.

Mr. Thomas said the trip was also “a form of protest” against U.S. President Donald Trump, who has “launched unprovoked attacks” on Canada. He says he’s here to show gratitude for everything Canada has done for his country.

“It was 100 per cent worth it to leave at 1 a.m. and get here at 10 o’clock in the morning and be sleep deprived,” he said.

05/27/25 12:35

Well-wishers hope for handshake with the King as he leaves Senate

-Ian Bailey

The royal couple left the Senate building and shook hands with well-wishers in two areas outside the complex.

They were en route to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to lay a wreath before departing Canada after a two-day visit.

Jacinthe Diotte did not get the handshake she was hoping for because the royal couple did not approach the area where she was standing.

“That’s okay,” said Ms. Diotte, a member of the Shawnee and Blackfoot First Nations. Just the sight of King Charles made for a rewarding day, she said.

“I never imagined I would see him in my life. He’s our King, and we need him to protect us from the United States.”

05/27/25 12:30

The King’s visit reaffirms support for Indigenous rights and treaty

-Ijeoma Ukazu

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The King’s visit to Canada marks a significant moment for Indigenous peoples, particularly for Celine McKenzie Vukson, a Dene Nation member from Brantford, Ont.

Joining a delegation to advocate for treaty rights and reconciliation. Ms. Vukson emphasized the importance of the Crown recognizing Indigenous rights passed down through generations.

“The King’s meeting with Indigenous people the last time he came to Canada showed support for our treaty rights, and we’d like the King to continue to recognize these rights and honour them.”

Ms. Vukson highlighted the historical relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Crown. She noted that reconciliation is crucial, especially in preserving Indigenous languages.

King Charles made several references to Canada’s Indigenous history in the Throne Speech, even acknowledging that everyone was gathered on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people.

“This land acknowledgement is a recognition of shared history as a nation. While continuing to deepen my own understanding, it is my great hope that in each of your communities, and collectively as a country, a path is found toward truth and reconciliation, in both word and deed,” he said.

05/27/25 12:25

King Charles, Carney wave to crowd as they leave the Senate

-Emily Haws

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Prime Minister Mark Carney, his wife, Diana Fox Carney, Governor-General Mary Simon and her husband, Whit Fraser, have left the Senate.

Mr. Carney waved to the crowd, giving a thumbs up.

The King and Queen then left the Senate and walked toward the crowd outside as it cheered.

A number of First Nations people — members of the crowd — performed traditional drumming nearby.

While the crowd seemed largely supportive of the royal couple, and waved plenty of Canadian flags, a sign or two reads: “Not my king.”

05/27/25 12:10

A peaceful way to show support for Canada

-Ijeoma Ukazu

Kelly MacDonald took the day off to bring her kids to see the King, a moment she knew was special. For her, the crowd gathered outside the Senate building represented a peaceful demonstration of support for Canada amid annexation talk from U.S. President Donald Trump.

“As I watched the King, I felt a sense of pride and unity with the crowd,” Ms. MacDonald said.

“I’m glad to see the crowds. It’s a peaceful way for us to show support for our country and connection to the Commonwealth and the King. It feels good to come together like this.”

Her children were thrilled to be here. And 10-year-old Aubrey MacDonald had some strong opinions about Canada’s independence.

”Canada is just better. It’s safer, and I feel safer here,” she said, explaining why she doesn’t want Canada to become the 51st state.

When asked about seeing the King, she simply smiled and said, “I felt happy.”

05/27/25 12:00

Canadians at National War Memorial share their thoughts on the King’s visit

–Ian Bailey

It’s Ian Bailey from the Ottawa bureau of The Globe and Mail.

Hundreds of people are gathered on sidewalks around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier waiting for the royal couple to lay a wreath there after the King reads the Throne Speech.

Many in the crowds have their smartphones out and up, waiting to get a shot.

But 68-year-old Brad Thomson is an exception.

He is sitting on the sidewalk in the shadow of the Prime Minister’s Office complex, smoking a cigarette and staying hydrated with the contents of a plastic Coke bottle.

He has no real view of the scene, blocked as it is by the parked vehicles of the royal motorcade. But he’s content because he shook the King’s hand during an event at Rideau Hall yesterday.

“He had a good grip,” said Mr. Thomson, who noted that Prime Minister Mark Carney also has a firm handshake.

Mr. Thomson says it’s important for the King to be reading the Throne Speech in Canada.

“The King is here, himself, to show solidarity with Canada and the Commonwealth while Canada faces an uncertain relationship with the United States.”

05/27/25 11:52

Crowd at National War Memorial awaits arrival of King and Queen

-Marie Woolf

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A large crowd near the National War Memorial is awaiting the arrival of King Charles and Queen Camilla, who will lay a wreath and flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before departing for Britain. The streets near the memorial, in the shadow of Parliament, are lined with people hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal couple.

05/27/25 11:48

King and Queen dressed in matching deep blue, presenting a calm, unified front

-Gayle MacDonald

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Today the royal couple dressed in matching deep blue, presenting a calm, unified front as the King delivered the Speech from the Throne. Rather than military dress, King Charles kept it low-key and pinned his many Canadian medals onto a pin-striped suit. Queen Camilla opted not to wear a tiara and chose instead a hat from the royal milliner Philip Treacy.

She pinned the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada brooch onto the left shoulder of her Fiona Clare dress. The brooch, while not as famous as other pieces of jewellery with Canadian significance, is a reminder of her role as Colonel-in-Chief of the QOR.

During the First World War, the QOR played a significant role in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, with many soldiers involved in battles across Europe. The brooch was a way for soldiers to stay connected with home and loved ones while serving overseas. The maple leaf represents Canada, the crown service to the sovereign, and the number 2 is the original battalion designation.

05/27/25 11:45

Usher of the Black Rod, MPs exit the Senate

-Emily Haws

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The Usher of the Black Rod, holding the mace, and members of Parliament are now exiting the Senate. They are boarding white buses back to the House of Commons a few blocks away.

05/27/25 11:38

Throne Speech outlines plans for investments, security and Indigenous loans

- Robert Fife and Stephanie Levitz

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The Throne Speech has outlined a suite of promises, from toughening border security to cracking down on car theft and fentanyl trafficking, rearming the military and boosting Canada’s presence in the High Arctic. As Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged during the election campaign, the speech said Ottawa will hire 1,000 additional RCMP officers and sharply increase new housing in the country.

The new government, which won a strong minority mandate of 169 seats, also vowed to reduce federal spending, cap the size of the public service, cut waste and end duplication.

In an outreach to Indigenous communities, the Throne Speech pledged as much as $10-billion in loans to enable more of the country’s original inhabitants to become owners of major infrastructure and energy projects.

05/27/25 11:30

King Charles asserts Canada’s sovereignty in Throne Speech

- Robert Fife and Stephanie Levitz

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King Charles III opened Parliament Tuesday, delivering the Liberal government’s Throne Speech that affirmed Canada’s sovereignty and promised the “largest transformation in the Canadian economy since the Second World War.”

The Throne Speech, written by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office in consultation with the King’s office, touched on Liberal election promises including a middle-class tax cut, an end to interprovincial trade barriers, and fast approvals of major infrastructure projects.

The Throne Speech dealt head on with President Trump’s America First economic agenda and threat of punitive tariffs that have unsettled Canadians.

King Charles as Canada’s head of state asserted the country’s sovereignty that had been questioned by the U.S. President and offered promises of a better future, less dependent on the United States.

“I have always had the greatest admiration for Canada’s unique identity, which is recognized across the world,” King Charles said, noting it was his 20th visit to Canada.

Read the full story here.

05/27/25 11:06

Usher of the Black Rod, MPs arrive at the Senate

-Emily Haws

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The Usher of the Black Rod has arrived at the Senate carrying the mace, along with members of Parliament.

They were at the House of Commons before boarding white buses to the Senate building.

05/27/25 10:55

Coverage from U.K. is muted, particularly after Liverpool incident

-Paul Waldie

The BBC and Sky News are showing live coverage of King Charles and Queen Camilla arriving on Parliament Hill for the opening of Parliament. That’s got to be a first, since Canada’s Parliament rarely gets much coverage here most days.

But the coverage is more muted in other media outlets. Not surprising given that most are still focused on the events Monday in Liverpool, where a car rammed into a crowd of soccer fans celebrating Liverpool F.C.’s Premier League title.

Merseyside Police said in a briefing Tuesday that 65 people were injured and 11 remained in hospital. Police said the incident was not terror-related. They have arrested a 53-year-old British man on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving under the influence of drugs.

05/27/25 10:46

A few facts about the historic Throne Speech

– The Canadian Press

King Charles will read the Throne Speech, which sets out the government’s priorities for the current session of Parliament.

Here are some facts about this historic event.

• King Charles III will be the first monarch to use the new throne in the Senate of Canada building.
• There have been 152 speeches from the throne since Confederation.
• Throne speeches in Canada were read by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957 and 1977.
• The first throne speech was delivered in 1867 by Viscount Monck, Canada’s first governor general.
• The first 10 throne speeches clocked in at an average length of 854 words, while the 2021 throne speech ran to 2,771 words.
• When the monarch or governor general arrives in Parliament for the ceremony, the Canadian flag on the Peace Tower is replaced with their flag.
• After the throne speech is read aloud, Bill S-1, An Act relating to railways, is introduced. This bill is never meant to pass into law and serves instead as a symbol of the Senate’s independence from the monarch. The Senate of Canada website says introducing the bill shows that the Senate is “able to deal with any matter of its choosing” without having to follow the throne speech.

05/27/25 10:23

Dispatch from the royal watchers

– Ijeoma Ukazu

Lara Tiro and her friend Christine Farkas travelled from Vancouver to attend a regulatory forum of the Canadian Health Food Association. Upon discovering that the King’s visit coincided with their schedule, they decided to take in the excitement.

 “It’s thrilling to witness this moment,” Ms. Tiro said. “We’ve been enjoying our time in Ottawa, and it’s a bonus to see the King.”

When asked about their impressions of the visit, Ms. Farkas mentioned the buzz in the air. “There’s an exciting energy, and we wanted to check it out and we are feeling the vibe,” she said.

Ms. Tiro added that the King would likely leave with a sense of community and warmth from Canadians.

05/27/25 10:21

Every part of the Senate ceremony designed to emphasize Canada’s heritage

–Patricia Treble

Every part of the ceremony in front of the Senate was designed to emphasize Canada’s heritage, including the red wool uniforms and pith helmets of the 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, which the King inspected before entering the Senate.

On Monday, the King had his Order of Canada pinned to his suit. On Tuesday, he donned the full insignia of the order around his neck, while the medals on his chest included the Canadian Forces’ Decoration with three additional service bars.

05/27/25 10:24

King and Queen greeted by Ottawa River Singers as they enter Senate building

– Idella Sturino

After King Charles and Queen Camilla entered the Senate building, they were greeted by officials in the foyer and listened to the Ottawa River Singers, a First Nations group, before making their way inside to prepare for the Throne Speech.

05/27/25 10:21

King Charles inspects 100-person honour guard at Senate as ‘O Canada’ plays

–Emily Haws

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The King has inspected the 100-person honour guard from the 3rd Battallion of the Royal Canadian Regiment.

The crowd cheered, with shouts of “God save the King!”

Then, after an inspection of the Canadian Armed Forces band present, the King walked to a platform at the front of the Senate building, where he stood while the band played O Canada. The crowd could be heard singing along and cheering.

The King and Queen Camilla then walked into the Senate accompanied by dignitaries.

05/27/25 10:17

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at the Senate

– Emily Haws

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King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived at the Senate in the state landau, accompanied by 28 RCMP horses.

They are accompanied by Governor-General Mary Simon and her husband, Whit Fraser. They are greeted by Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife, Diana Fox Carney.

The landau and the horses continue down Wellington Street after dropping them off.

The band plays God Save the King, and the 21-gun salute begins. The crowd cheers intermittently.

05/27/25 10:14

Awaiting the landau, the horse-drawn carriage for the King and Queen

–Marie Woolf

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The 100-strong honour guard is waiting for the horse-drawn carriage bearing the royal couple to arrive. The small carriage, known as a landau, was built in the 1890s in Australia for Lord Hopetoun, the governor-general there at the time, according to federal officials.

A receiving line of Mounties and military personnel has formed outside the entrance to the Senate.

05/27/25 10:11

Carney, wearing Order of Canada medal, waves to crowd from a podium

–Emily Haws

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A motorcade has arrived, and Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife, Diana Fox Carney, have gotten out of the vehicles.

Mr. Carney is wearing his Order of Canada medal, and the crowds cheer as they wait for the arrival of King Charles and Queen Camilla.

The band is now playing O Canada, and you can hear the crowds singing along. They erupt into applause when the national anthem is done.

One audience member shouted, “We love you, Carney” and cheered. Mr. Carney smiled but didn’t otherwise visibly react.

05/27/25 10:05

The Canadian politics version of Where’s Waldo?

-Shannon Proudfoot

If you made a Canadian politics edition of Where’s Waldo?, it would be the Senate floor right now.

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Former prime minister Justin Trudeau appeared a short time ago, wearing what I have decided to call his retirement running shoes (they’re orange and green, retro style), and he’s now chatting with Stephen Harper. If that red carpet under their feet could talk, I would publish its memoirs immediately.

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I’m sitting in the gallery directly above the two rather ornate chairs where King Charles and Queen Camilla will sit during the Throne Speech. I can look straight down at the chairs and dais, but I couldn’t see the backdrop that everyone was posing in front of for photos, like they’re at a high school graduation. I walked to the other end of the Senate gallery to snap a photo of that view, which is what you’ll see if you watch on TV.

05/27/25 10:03

A royal look from the streets of Ottawa

– Abyssinia Abebe

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Hi there, it’s Abyssinia Abebe reporting from downtown Ottawa, where there’s a buzz in the air and the streets are packed with royal enthusiasts hoping to catch a glimpse of King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Wellington Street was the place to be this morning as the royal couple made their way from the Bank of Canada to the Senate. Smiling crowds lined the sidewalks, cameras in hand, turning an otherwise ordinary Tuesday into something quite lively.

Despite the city issuing a road closure warning, not everyone was grumbling about the detours. Raiyah Patel, for example, was heading to a work event with her colleagues when a peace officer broke the news: Wellington was blocked off. Her reaction? Pure joy. It meant she didn’t have to go in to work. “We get to watch the parade?” she asked, bouncing. Not exactly your everyday response.

“Listen, normally I’d be upset,” Ms. Patel admitted later, laughing. A former parliamentary staffer, she knows just how often Wellington Street is off-limits. But today was different. “It’s a special day,” she said.

As the crowd waited, Ms. Patel reflected on more than the spectacle. “I know the monarch’s role is mostly symbolic,” she said. “But I’m still excited to see the traditions be upheld.”

She also wondered whether the King might mention anything about sovereignty in his remarks.

05/27/25 10:02

King offers condolences after Liverpool incident

– Paul Waldie

King Charles has taken a moment away from his trip to Canada to offer his condolences to the victims of Monday’s horrific incident in Liverpool, where a car rammed soccer fans celebrating Liverpool F.C.’s Premier League title.

“It is truly devastating to see that what should have been a joyous celebration for so many could end in such distressing circumstances,” said a statement signed by the King. “At this heartbreaking time for the people of Liverpool, I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales also said they were deeply saddened by Monday’s events. “Our thoughts are with those who were injured and to the first responders and emergency services on the ground,” they said.

Merseyside Police said 47 people were injured in the incident, including 27 who had to be hospitalized. Four people, including a child, suffered serious injuries.

A 53-year-old British man, believed to be the driver, has been arrested, and police said they are not treating the case as terrorism. The man has not been identified or charged.

05/27/25 09:54

Ottawa weather holding up for royal visit

– Emily Haws

It’s going to be a hot one today in Canada’s capital. At 9:40 a.m. ET, the skies are clear and the sun is beating down on the crowds waiting for King Charles and Queen Camilla.

It’s currently 17 degrees, and the temperature is expected to rise to 25 degrees.

Some members of the media (not me) brought sunscreen. Hopefully the crowds did too!

05/27/25 09:51

The ‘great fun’ of pomp and circumstance

-Marie Woolf

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Hello, I’m Marie Woolf of The Globe and Mail’s Ottawa bureau. I’m sitting outside the Senate with a large contingent of reporters from Canada, Britain and Australia waiting for the royals to arrive. An honour guard is standing at ease in front of our position.

A big crowd has gathered outside the Senate in the baking sun in the hope of seeing King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Gerry Hogan, who is originally from England, is standing by the barrier with a Canadian flag and a Union Jack.

She applauds the King and Camilla for coming here to support Canada after U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments about turning the country into the 51st state.

“I think it is really great he is coming now. It shows solidarity and that the British and Canadians are together,” she said.

She said she was looking forward to witnessing the pageantry, including the honour guard.

“All the pomp and circumstance is marvellous and great fun.”

05/27/25 09:50

The parade is about to begin

-Emily Haws

Hi, I’m Emily Haws and I’m a politics reporter for The Globe and Mail’s Ottawa bureau. I’m stationed outside the Senate building in a media riser.

A Canadian Armed Forces band is playing and marching down Wellington Street. They settled about halfway between the National War Memorial and the Senate.

A 100-person honour guard from the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment is also getting into place in front of the Senate, awaiting the arrival of King Charles and Queen Camilla.

05/27/25 09:45

The massive media presence in Ottawa

- Ann Hui

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Hey there, it’s Ann Hui, generations reporter at The Globe and Mail. I’ll be writing about the crowds that have formed along Ottawa’s Rideau Street this morning hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal couple. When King Charles and Queen Camilla pass through, this is what they’ll see: a throng of reporters and photographers from Britain and across North America.

05/27/25 09:42

Former PMs Stephen Harper and Kim Campbell in Senate for Throne Speech, more dignitaries expected

- Shannon Proudfoot

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This is Shannon Proudfoot, a feature writer in the Ottawa bureau. I was fortunate to get one of the 16 allotted media seats in the Senate for the Throne Speech, so I’m sitting in the gallery right now watching everyone mill about on the scarlet, leaf-flecked carpet.

A confession: When I was gearing up for today, the Taylor Swift lyric “The who’s who of who’s that?” popped into my head and I badly wanted to use it. But this is not that kind of crowd, more of a real who’s who of the Ottawa bubble.

Spotted so far: former prime ministers Stephen Harper and Kim Campbell; former governors-general David Johnston and Michaëlle Jean; premiers Wab Kinew and Ranj Pillai (there are reserved seats for most of the rest, I just haven’t laid eyes on them yet); and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed.

05/27/25 09:17

MPs start to arrive at the Senate

- The Canadian Press

Members of Parliament are arriving at the Senate, where the King will read the throne speech in about two hours’ time.

They’re taking photos and greeting one another as they arrive.

A group of MPs will be at West Block this morning. There they’ll await the Usher of the Black Rod, who will knock on the doors of the House of Commons and invite them to the Senate to hear the speech.

05/27/25 09:03

Royal watchers line the streets of Ottawa ahead of parade

- The Canadian Press

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Early-bird royal watchers are lining up behind the barricades on Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

The King and Queen are set to begin their procession around 10 a.m. in a landau, a horse-drawn carriage, escorted by mounted RCMP officers. The entourage will head to the Senate building, where the King will receive full military honours, including a 21-gun salute.

The landau was built in Quebec and donated to Canada for royal visits.

05/27/25 08:36

For diehard monarchists, a front-row view takes strategy and commitment

– Ann Hui

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It’s rarely by accident that you meet royalty.

For many of the thousands who gathered to catch a glimpse of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Canada, the journey to Ottawa’s Lansdowne Park on Monday required strategy, precise planning and oftentimes hours of travel – by car, by train and by plane. And even among this very enthusiastic group was a smaller contingent of the most devoted of all: those in the very front row.

For those most diehard monarchists, preparing for a royal visit took weeks, months, even years.

On an oppressively sunny Monday morning, hours ahead of the King and Camilla’s arrival at Lansdowne Park, Jenna Kocik was already in place right up against the fence that would eventually separate the royal couple from members of the public.

“I’m an enthusiastic royalist, to say the least,” said the 36-year-old nurse. “It’s something that I’m passionate about. I love the culture and the history.”

Her planning for this day had begun several weeks ago. As soon as Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the royal visit, Ms. Kocik, who lives and works in Edmonton, began planning her trip.

Every detail was carefully thought through: From poring over the itinerary to figure out which events would offer the best access to the royal couple to arriving at this event five hours early (at about 9 a.m. for a 2 p.m. event).

And on the other side of the gate, Jane Kroll said she’d been waiting for this visit since the King’s coronation in 2023. For Monday’s visit with the King, she wore a red Canada T-shirt and carried a Union Jack. “I wanted to come and show that they were relevant and loved,” she said.

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05/27/25 08:16

King Charles’s Throne Speech will be watched for signals to Trump

– Paul Waldie

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When King Charles III delivers the Speech from the Throne on Tuesday to open Parliament, his words will be monitored closely in Britain for any comments he makes about the United States and how that might impact U.K.-U.S. relations.

The British government regularly touts the country’s “special relationship” with the U.S. and Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been keen to exploit U.S. President Donald Trump‘s admiration for King Charles to curry favour with the President. Mr. Starmer has refrained from criticizing Mr. Trump’s trade war and invited him to London for a state dinner hosted by the King, making him the only U.S. President to be given that honour twice.

That’s at odds with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and other U.S. allies who have been highly critical of Mr. Trump’s tariffs. Mr. Carney also hopes to use the King’s presence in Ottawa to blunt Mr. Trump’s talk of annexation and demonstrate Canada’s sovereignty.

While the Throne Speech is written almost entirely by officials in Ottawa and outlines the government’s agenda for the new Parliament, the King is expected to add some personal reflections. Just how far he goes will be watched in London.

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05/27/25 08:00

What happened on Day 1 of the historic royal visit

- Marie Woolf and Emily Haws

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King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrved on a Royal Canadian Air Force plane, and were met at the Ottawa airport by an honour guard from the Royal Canadian Dragoons, as well as Governor-General Mary Simon, her husband Whit Fraser, Prime Minister Mark Carney, his wife Diana Fox Carney and Ontario Lt. Gov. Edith Dumont. Indigenous leaders, including Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami president Natan Obed, were also there to greet them.

The King and Queen left the airport in a motorcade of black SUVs for Lansdowne Park, near downtown Ottawa on the Rideau Canal, where a large crowd had gathered, some waving Canadian flags. The royal couple watched a short performance by Indigenous dancers as they arrived.

They then toured a farmers’ market, where the King met vendors and dropped the puck before a children’s street-hockey game. On the grounds of Rideau Hall, the King planted a blue beech tree, which is native to Ontario, using a ceremonial spade with the date and names of the participants engraved into it, which he held up after shovelling earth onto the tree’s roots. Queen Camilla then watered it with a green watering can.

The King later held a formal audience with the Prime Minister, the Governor-General and Indigenous leaders at Rideau Hall.

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.

05/27/25 08:00

Final day of King’s visit will include parade, Throne Speech

- Marie Woolf and Emily Haws

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King Charles and Queen Camilla will wrap up their whirlwind visit to Canada with a bit of royal pomp today, including a parade through downtown Ottawa in a horse-drawn carriage.

Twenty-eight horses of the RCMP Musical Ride will accompany the state landau bearing the King and Queen Camilla from outside the Bank of Canada to the Senate.

At the Senate, the King will receive full military honours, including a royal salute, a guard of honour from the Royal Canadian Regiment, and an inspection of the guard.

King Charles is then set to read the Speech from the Throne to open Parliament, making him the second reigning monarch to do so. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, delivered the speech in 1957 and 1977. It’s also the King’s first visit to Canada since he ascended the throne in 2022. He visited Canada many times as Prince of Wales, including on five official tours.

Delivering the Throne Speech in person is being seen as an important gesture. The speeches, setting out the government’s priorities, are usually delivered by the Governor-General, the monarch‘s representative in Canada.

The King will later lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The two-day royal visit was arranged after an invitation from newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney. It is being seen as a symbolic gesture of support by the King for Canada as its sovereignty is threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump’s stated wish to turn the country into the 51st state.