Charles and Camilla experienced all aspects of Canadian life in visit
During the first day of their two-day visit to Canada, Charles and Camilla experienced all aspects of Canadian life from street hockey to a greeting from indigenous people, a trip widely seen as a show of support for the country in the face of challenges from the US leader.
(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Rebecca Whittaker27 May 2025 09:11
Inviting the King has been viewed as strategic
Many have viewed Mark Carney’s invitation to King Charles as strategic.
Commentators will be looking for any veiled references to US President Donald Trump during the King’s speech.
Canada has faced the unwanted attention of Mr Trump who has launched a trade war against his neighbour and made threats to annex the country as America’s 51st state.
Canada’s Governor General Mary Simon said the visit “highlights the enduring relationship between Canada and the Crown”.
“Now more than ever, we need to come together to ensure a future that builds on our shared global values of democracy, equality and peace,” she said.
King Charles III holds an audience with Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney at Rideau Hall, Ottawa (Victoria Jones/PA) (PA Wire)
Rebecca Whittaker27 May 2025 09:09
It’s the first time a king has opened a new session of parliament
The last time a member of the royal family delivered a throne speech in Canada was in 1977, when Elizabeth II read the speech for the second time.
Elizabeth read it for the first time in 1957.
However, this will be the first time a king has opened a new session of parliament.
In 1939, George VI granted royal assent to several bills during his visit to Canada, but he did not deliver a throne speech.
Rebecca Whittaker27 May 2025 09:01
What is a speech from the throne?
The newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney has invited King Charles to inaugurate the new parliament.
The speech from the throne is traditionally given by the governor general, who is the monarch’s top representative in Canada.
It’s read on behalf of the prime minister and sets out the governments agenda when a new parliament session is about to begin.
The House of Commons and Senate cannot conduct any public business before the Speech from the Throne is made.
Rebcca Whittaker27 May 2025 08:54
Watch: King Charles arrives in Canada for first visit as head of state
King Charles arrives in Canada for first visit as head of state
King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived in Canada for his first visit as head of state on Monday (26 May). Canadian prime minister Mark Carney greeted the monarch as they disembarked the Royal Canadian Air Force plane that flew them from RAF Brize Norton in the UK to the capital, Ottawa. Camilla was presented with a bouquet of flowers by schoolgirl Lila Graham, and the couple were warmly welcomed by school groups from Ontario and Quebec, including students enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme. The King will give the address to open the parliament on Tuesday, and set the Canadian government’s administration legislative programme.
Rebeca Whittaker27 May 2025 08:48
King Charles will open the first session of the 45th parliament
Charles’ second day in the capital Ottawa will see him follow the precedent set by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957 and open the first session of the 45th parliament.
The King will be delivering the words of the Canadian government, similar to a UK State opening of parliament.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney said the King’s speech would “outline the government’s ambitious plan to act with urgency and determination, and to deliver the change Canadians want and deserve: 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”.
(Getty Images)
Rebecca Whittaker27 May 2025 08:47
