OTTAWA — Perched upon an elegant new throne and flanked by prominent Canadian officials, King Charles commenced the parliamentary session on Tuesday, showcasing centuries-old royal customs.
On Monday morning, the King made history as the first current monarch to deliver a speech from the throne in Canada in almost 50 years.
In this statement, he declared that the “True North remains strong and free,” emphasizing Canada’s autonomy while highlighting the “unequaled” difficulties the country is confronting.
King Charles said that every time he visits, “a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream — and from there straight to my heart.”
A new parliamentary term kicks off with the speech from the throne, usually delivered by the Governor General acting on behalf of the King in Canada’s political framework. This address, crafted by the national administration, outlines their key focuses for the upcoming legislative period.
The monarch recited parts of the address in French.
King Charles has become the inaugural occupant of the newly crafted throne in the Senate of Canada chamber. This throne features the late Queen Elizabeth II’s cipher—a symbol representing her sovereignty—and contains a segment of wood from Windsor Great Park, which honors King Charles III.
The King was seated beside Queen Camilla as he went over the approximately 27-minute-long address. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Governor General Mary Simon were part of the group helping guide the King and Queen through the Red Chamber and introducing them to others present.
The event also featured former Prime Ministers Justin Trudeau and Stephen Harper sitting side by side, along with former Governors General David Johnston, Michaëlle Jean, and Adrienne Clarkson. Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre attended as well, alongside several provincial premiers.
This morning, the King and Queen embarked on the second day of their Canadian tour by riding in Canada’s state landau through throngs of supporters gathered outside Parliament Hill.
The king sported a deep blue pinstripe outfit adorned with the Order of Canada and his usual collection of medals. Beside him, the queen donned a navy blue dress along with a matching hat.
Simon and her spouse Whit Fraser also joined them.
The Landau was accompanied down Wellington Street in Ottawa by mounted RCMP officers.
Shortly before 10:00 a.m., the King and Queen reached the Senate building, where they were met with full military honors and an honor guard comprising 100 members from the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment for the King.
The event featured an examination of both the guard and band along with a 21-gun salute.
Monarch enthusiasts lined the parade route expressing varied sentiments before the procession began on Tuesday.
Beth MacDonald, a loyal supporter of the monarchy who was present at King Charles’ crowning ceremony two years back, mentioned that she always tries to be part of every royal occasion possible. She noted that this particular event holds extra importance as it takes place over a year since the King disclosed his battle with cancer.
“This will likely be, I might even say, bittersweet, as I realize it may be his final trip over here,” she mentioned.
King Charles carried out a minimum of 18 official trips to Canada when he was the Prince of Wales. This marks his initial visit to Canada following his coronation.
The King is the first ruling British monarch to deliver the speech from the throne since his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did so in 1977.
David Greenberg, who was part of the crowd along the parade route, had also been present at the prior monarchy’s throne speech celebration. He mentioned that he felt like he was witnessing history unfold.
“It doesn’t occur frequently. This might not take place once more,” he stated.
The royal visit is occurring at an crucial time, as U.S. President Donald Trump consistently demands Canada’s annexation and strives to upend the norms of international trade through the imposition of tariffs.
I believe that over time, it will be beneficial for Canadians to keep in mind that we are Canadian citizens, not part of the 51st state,” MacDonald stated. “Perhaps his visit and delivering the throne speech will serve as a reminder to Canadians about our identity.
Elizabeth Armstrong, another spectator observing the royals on Tuesday morning, described it as a “powerful yet subtle message from His Majesty.”
The royal pair landed in Ottawa on Monday evening. They visited a nearby farmers’ market and had individual meetings with Carney and Simon later in the day.
Later on Tuesday, the King will place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier prior to his return to the airport to conclude the visit.
— with contributions from Nick Murray and Sarah Ritchie
The report from The Canadian Press was initially released on May 27, 2025.
Craig Lord from The Canadian Press
