King Charles III and Queen Camilla First Official Visit to Canada

At the end of May, Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla made their first official visit to Canada since His Majesty’s accession to the throne in 2022, highlighting the deep and enduring ties between Canada and the Crown.

Their Majesties were welcomed in Ottawa by Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada; Her Honour Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario; the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada; several Indigenous leaders, and an arrival guard from the Royal Canadian Dragoons.

Later, they met with members of community organizations before heading to Rideau Hall to participate in a ceremonial tree-planting alongside viceregal representatives and local community members. The tree-planting ceremony is an old tradition in Rideau Hall, dating back to 1906. More than 150 commemorative trees grace the grounds, marking visits by members of the Royal Family, heads of state, and other dignitaries.

The tree planted by His Majesty was a blue beech tree, known for its Indigenous roots and hardiness, which the Governor General described as “a living symbol of resilience, adaptability, and heritage.”

The highlight of the visit was His Majesty’s delivery of the government’s Throne Speech in the Senate Chamber, formally opening the 45th Parliament of Canada. Arriving through Wellington Street via Canada’s State Landau, His Majesty received military honours, including a Royal Salute, an inspection of the guard from the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, and a 21-gun salute.

Drafted by the government to outline its legislative priorities, the Speech from the Throne is traditionally delivered by the Governor General. This year, the sovereign’s exceptional delivery of the speech—only the third time in Canadian history—coincided with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The speech emphasized Canadian unity and democratic resilience, the enduring relationship with the Crown, and the shared values cherished by Canadians—such as environmental stewardship, youth engagement, and the celebration of a vibrant and diverse heritage.

“Today, I see representatives from every part of Canada – from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, to Victoria, British Columbia, and Arviat, Nunavut. I see the guardians of the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Canadian Charter and, as King, I thank you for your service to your fellow Canadians, across the length and breadth of this vast and great nation.

“You speak for your communities, representing an incredible richness of cultures, languages, and perspectives. We owe it to this generation, and those who succeed us, to think and act for the greater good of all. While the world faces unprecedented challenges, generating uncertainties across the continents with regards to peace and stability, economics, and climate change, your communities have the skills and determination to bring a wealth of solutions.

“By fostering collaboration and engaging in respectful, constructive debates, you will ensure this Government is capable of bold and fair action to support Canadians.”

After delivering the speech from the Throne, Their Majesties concluded the official visit by paying their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial, ending on a solemn note.