Are you a royal watcher looking for a chance to see the King and Queen?
It’s official: there are four opportunities to see King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Ottawa this May (plus one moment royal fans won't see).
Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit Canada this May, marking His Majesty’s first visit since his Coronation—a historic milestone that highlights Canada’s identity and sovereignty as a constitutional monarchy.
The Royal Visit also reaffirms the enduring ties between Canada and the Crown, providing a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the monarchy’s role within Canadian democracy.
This will be King Charles III’s 20th visit to Canada and Queen Camilla’s 6th.
When is King Charles visiting Canada?
Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit Ottawa, the capital of Canada, from May 26 to 27, 2025.
Where can you see King Charles during the royal visit to Ottawa?
Here are the four places where the public will be able to see the King and Queen:
Lansdowne Park: Monday, May 26, 2025, at 1:50 p.m.
Rideau Hall: Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 2:50 p.m.
Wellington Street: Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 9:50 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
National War Memorial: Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 10:55 a.m.
What is the itinerary for King Charles' Royal Visit?
Here is the itinerary for the King and Queen’s visit to Ottawa:
May 26, 2025: Arrival and Public Engagements
Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla will arrive in Ottawa to begin their 2025 Royal Visit. They will be welcomed by dignitaries and an honour guard from the Royal Canadian Dragoons.
1:50 p.m. – Community Gathering at Lansdowne Park (open to the public)
Their Majesties will connect with Canadians through a vibrant community event featuring individuals and organizations that reflect the country’s identity and diversity. Interactive activities and cultural showcases will be part of the program.
2:50 p.m. – Ceremonial Tree Planting at Rideau Hall (open to the public)
The Royal Couple will visit Rideau Hall, the official residence of both the Governor General of Canada and Their Majesties during their stay. There, they will meet with Lieutenant Governors and Territorial Commissioners.
His Majesty will take part in a ceremonial tree planting, joined by viceregal representatives, community members, and school groups.
Audience with the Governor General of Canada
His Majesty will meet with Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, at Rideau Hall.
Audience with the Prime Minister of Canada
His Majesty will also meet with the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada.
May 27, 2025: Ceremonial Events and State Duties
9:50 a.m. – Procession to the Senate of Canada Building (open to the public)
Their Majesties will travel in Canada’s State Landau from the Bank of Canada to the Senate of Canada Building along Wellington Street. They will be escorted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride.
10:15 a.m. – Arrival at the Senate of Canada Building (open to the public)
A full ceremonial welcome awaits The King, including military honours with a Royal Salute, a 100-member guard of honour from the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, inspection of the troops, and a 21-gun salute.
11:00 a.m. – Speech from the Throne
His Majesty will officially open the 45th Parliament of Canada and deliver the Speech from the Throne.
This address outlines the government’s priorities and sets the agenda for the parliamentary session. Parliament cannot conduct public business until the Head of State or their representative delivers this speech.
11:55 a.m. – Wreath-Laying at the National War Memorial (open to the public)
Their Majesties will lay a wreath in honour of Canada’s fallen and to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — a powerful national symbol of remembrance for more than 116,000 Canadians who lost their lives in service to the country.
Departure from Canada
The Royal Visit concludes as Their Majesties are formally bid farewell by dignitaries and a departure guard.
How many times have King Charles and Queen Camilla visited Canada?
This will mark King Charles’ 20th official and personal documented visit to Canada. His first took place in 1970 at the age of 22, when he accompanied his late parents, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Their most recent visit, in 2022—when Charles was still the Prince of Wales—spanned three days and included stops in St. John’s, Ottawa, and the Northwest Territories.
A three-day visit in 2017 began in Iqaluit, Nunavut, before continuing to Prince Edward County in Ontario and wrapping up in Ottawa and Gatineau, Quebec.
Their visits in 2014 and 2012 each spanned four days. In contrast, their 2009 tour—their first as an official couple and the Queen’s first of five visits to date—was a nine-day journey that took them from Newfoundland through Ontario and Quebec, and on to British Columbia.
King Charles’ longest stay in Canada was in 1975, while serving aboard the HMS Hermes. His longest official visit was in 1983, during the first leg of a cross-country tour with the late Princess Diana — an 18-day trip across Atlantic Canada.
What is the moment royal fans won't see on King Charles' Canada trip?
After the royal couple takes part in a ceremonial tree planting, they will meet privately with the governor general and Prime Minister Mark Carney.
RECOMMENDED:
Full guide to the best things to do in Montreal
Complete guide to the best things to do in Canada