For Canadians who find it hard to believe that the passing of Queen Elizabeth II was almost three years ago, this will come as exciting royal news.
King Charles will visit Canada later this month and is scheduled to deliver the speech from the throne this month.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Friday that the visit is a meaningful gesture that reflects the gravity of the current moment, and clearly underscores Canada's sovereignty.
He also confirmed that Queen Camilla will be joining the trip.
Governor General Mary Simon released a statement confirming that the royal visit will take place at the end of May.
Governor General Mary Simon and her husband, Whit Fraser, expressed their enthusiasm about welcoming King Charles III and Queen Camilla to Canada.
The visit underscores the long-standing connection between Canada and the Crown, a relationship deeply rooted in the country’s constitutional foundations.
She also emphasized the importance of unity in today’s world, highlighting the need to work together toward a future based on shared values such as democracy, equality, and peace.
Each new session of Parliament begins with a throne speech outlining the government’s priorities and plans.
This royal visit to Canada will mark the first time a monarch has delivered the throne speech since 1977.
Ahead of the election, Prime Minister Mark Carney met with King Charles at Buckingham Palace and discussed the possibility of the King delivering the next throne speech in Canada.
Charles’s decision to do so is seen by experts as a strong affirmation of his commitment to his role as King of Canada.
The visit also comes amid heightened discussion about Canada’s sovereignty, especially in light of comments from U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting Canada could become America’s 51st state.
Some royal historians believe the current political climate played a role in the timing and nature of the visit.
Mark Carney, who campaigned on a platform that emphasized Canadian independence, is using the King’s presence to reinforce the country’s distinct identity and constitutional traditions.
What does King Charles have to do with Canada?
Canada, a former British colony, is part of the Commonwealth of Nations. King Charles serves as the country’s ceremonial head of state.
When is he visiting?
King Charles and Queen Camilla will visit Canada from Monday, May 26 to Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
During their stay, Their Majesties will take part in the State Opening of Canada’s Parliament in Ottawa.
Why is King Charles visiting Canada?
In addition to the opening of parliament and the throne speech, observers of King Charles have noted a rise in symbolic gestures and messages reinforcing support for Canada.
In a notable example, Charles recently referred to himself as the “King of Canada” during a speech to the Italian parliament.
Does the royal family have anything to do with Canada?
Yes, because Canada is a constitutional monarchy with the British monarch as its head of state.
Although the King does not govern the country, he holds a symbolic position that represents the Crown and serves to unify Canadians.
How many times did King Charles visit Canada?
This marks King Charles’s 20th visit to Canada and Queen Camilla’s fifth.
Their most recent royal tour took place from May 17 to 19, 2022, with stops in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Canada’s Capital region, and Yellowknife and Dettah in the Northwest Territories.
Where will King Charles be visiting in Canada?
A detailed itinerary of the royal visit will be published at a later date by the Department of Canadian Heritage.
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