King Charles III and Queen Camilla Arrive in Canada Amid Sovereignty Tensions and Historic Parliamentary Address
5-28-2025
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OTTAWA, May 5, 2025 — King Charles III and Queen Camilla have arrived in Canada for a two-day state visit marked by symbolism, ceremony, and strategic messaging. Their visit — the King’s first since his coronation in 2023 — comes at a politically sensitive moment as Canada navigates trade tensions with the United States and renewed questions about national sovereignty.
A Royal Welcome with National Purpose
Touching down at 1:15 p.m. local time on Monday, Their Majesties were greeted at Ottawa International Airport by Prime Minister Mark Carney, his wife Diana Fox Carney, Governor General Mary Simon, national Indigenous leaders, and representatives of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canadian Armed Forces.
Their arrival launched a whirlwind of ceremonial events, including a tree planting and a street hockey puck drop, symbolizing the deep-rooted relationship between Canada and the Crown. These events served not only to celebrate royal ties but also to underscore Canada's independent identity at a time when some voices — including that of former U.S. President Donald Trump — have provocatively suggested that Canada would be better off as “America’s 51st state.”
A Speech Not Heard in Nearly 50 Years
The highlight of the visit will come Tuesday, when King Charles is set to deliver the Speech from the Throne — the first time a reigning monarch has done so in Canada since 1977. The speech will outline the newly elected Liberal government’s legislative priorities and broader vision for the country.
Prime Minister Carney, who extended the royal invitation following his election victory in April, called the King's involvement an “historic honour” that “matches the weight of our times.”
“This royal visit is a reminder of the bond between Canada and the Crown — one forged over generations, shaped by shared histories, and grounded in common values,” Carney said. “It speaks to our enduring tradition and friendship, to the vitality of our constitutional monarchy and our distinct identity, and to the historic ties that crises only fortify.”
Sovereignty Amid Storms
The visit is widely interpreted as a strategic move to reaffirm Canada’s constitutional and cultural independence, especially amid deteriorating trade relations with the U.S. and Trump’s repeated provocations. Carney, a known monarchist, has emphasized the importance of Canada's founding identities — British, French, and Indigenous — in differentiating the country from its southern neighbour.
Governor General Mary Simon, the first Indigenous person to hold the post, also underscored the significance of the visit: “It reaffirms the enduring constitutional bond that has shaped Canada's journey into a proud and independent nation. Their visit invites us to reflect on who we are and to celebrate our distinct national identity.”
Charles met privately with Governor General Simon upon arrival, a symbolic gesture of unity between the Crown and Indigenous leadership in Canada.
Critics Decry "Outdated Symbolism"
However, the visit has not been without controversy. Citizens for a Canadian Republic (CCR), an anti-monarchy advocacy group, criticized the government's decision to invite the King amid political tensions, calling it “a step backward.”
“Instead of standing tall, we’re bowing low,” said CCR director Jamie Bradley. “Our head of state — a monarch from another continent — will open our Parliament. That undoes everything we say we stand for.”
As is customary, the Canadian flag atop the Senate will be temporarily replaced by the Sovereign’s Flag while King Charles is present in the building.
A Deep Connection to Canada
Despite criticisms, King Charles has maintained a long and personal relationship with Canada, having visited the country 19 times officially since 1970 and on several private occasions. In the 1970s, he trained as a military pilot at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown in New Brunswick, and he has spoken fondly of his connection to the land.
“Every time I come to Canada, a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream and from there, straight to my heart,” Charles once said in Newfoundland during a 2009 visit.
Queen Camilla also shares Canadian roots. Her great-great-great-grandfather was Sir Allan MacNab, former premier of the pre-Confederation Province of Canada and builder of Dundurn Castle in Hamilton, Ontario.
During their 2022 visit for the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, Charles praised Canada as a “truly great country” filled with “outward-looking, big-hearted” people.
A Farewell Message of Gratitude
As the royal couple prepared to conclude their visit, King Charles issued a statement expressing gratitude for the warm welcome:
“As my wife and I leave Canada, we want to send our most heartfelt thanks to all those who turned out to offer their support on this, my first visit as Sovereign.
It was the warmest of welcomes — and the fondest of returns to a land and a people we love.
Until the next time, au revoir, Canada, et avec tous nos remerciements.
— Charles R. & Camilla R.”
As Canada continues to define its role on the world stage, the royal visit serves as both a nod to tradition and a powerful statement of national identity at a pivotal time.
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