King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to arrive in Canada later today for a two-day visit widely interpreted as a gesture of support amid escalating tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, who recently secured an election victory fueled by widespread anti-Trump sentiment, extended the invitation. The royal couple will meet with him during their stay in Ottawa.
During the visit, King Charles will deliver the “Speech from the Throne” to Canada’s Parliament on Tuesday—marking the first time a reigning monarch has performed this role in nearly five decades. The speech is expected to reaffirm Canada’s sovereignty and push back against Trump’s provocative remarks suggesting the country should become the 51st U.S. state.
The visit will begin with a ceremonial welcome at Ottawa’s airport on Monday, followed by meetings with community groups, including First Nations representatives. The King is also scheduled to meet with Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General, Mary Simon.
This marks the King and Queen’s first official trip to Canada since ascending the throne. A planned visit last year was postponed due to King Charles’s cancer diagnosis.
By reading the Speech from the Throne, the King follows a precedent set by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who carried out the tradition in 1957 and 1977.
While the visit involves formal engagements, its timing has been interpreted as a clear statement of solidarity with Canada. Trump’s calls for Canada to be annexed as a U.S. state have stirred public backlash, prompting businesses across Ottawa and other regions to display patriotic slogans like “Proudly Canadian.”
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Carney visited the White House and firmly told Trump that “Canada is not for sale.” A similar message is expected to be woven into the King’s speech, which is crafted with input from the Canadian government.
Former Canadian High Commissioner to the UK, Jeremy Kinsman, suggested that the King would welcome the opportunity to affirm Canada’s independence.
“It will be a strong statement in favor of Canadian sovereignty,” Kinsman said, adding that King Charles has long been supportive of such values.
The speech—delivered in both English and French—will outline the Canadian government’s policy agenda, similar to the UK’s State Opening of Parliament. However, it is also expected to include firm language asserting Canada’s autonomy as a sovereign state, Commonwealth member, and NATO ally.
Speaking ahead of the State Opening, Carney described the King’s participation as a “historic honor that reflects the gravity of the moment.”
Ceremonially, the event will be modest compared to its UK counterpart. The King is expected to wear a suit rather than full regalia.
Beyond Parliament, the visit includes local community events and meetings with regional leaders.
The royal trip poses a diplomatic challenge: as head of state for both Canada and the UK, King Charles must balance support for Canada’s stance with his broader role of maintaining good relations with the U.S. Notably, he recently sent a warm personal invitation to President Trump for a second state visit to the UK.
In contrast, his visit to Canada will likely echo the country’s firm rejection of Trump’s expansionist rhetoric.
A royal source commented, “The King has extensive experience and a remarkable ability to navigate delicate diplomatic situations. He’s respected globally and maintains strong relationships across political lines.”
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