Monarch welcomes Senate leaders and bestows ceremonial honour
King Charles III extended a warm welcome to distinguished Canadian officials
at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, marking a significant ceremonial occasion.
The royal family shared striking images from the event on their official
social media, highlighting the King’s meeting with Gregory Peters, Usher of
the Black Rod of the Senate of Canada, and Senate Speaker Raymonde Gagné.
In an official statement, Buckingham Palace confirmed: “At Buckingham Palace,
The King has received the Usher of the Black Rod of the Senate of Canada and
bestowed upon him a new ceremonial sword.”
The Usher of the Black Rod, a role dating back nearly 600 years, serves as a
senior protocol officer in the Canadian Parliament, overseeing both ceremonial
and administrative responsibilities. Gregory Peters is the 17th person to hold
the position since Canada’s Confederation.
The meeting, attended by Speaker Gagné, comes at a time of ongoing trade
tensions between Canada and the US, underscoring the diplomatic ties between
the Commonwealth nations.
