Monarch to open Parliament in Ottawa, marking a major milestone in reign
King Charles and Queen Camilla have boarded their flight to Canada, embarking
on an important royal tour that marks the King’s first visit to the country
since ascending the throne.
Preparations are in full swing to welcome Their Majesties upon their arrival
in Ottawa on Monday afternoon, where King Charles is set to deliver a historic
address—one that represents a significant milestone in his reign.
As the royal couple departed for their nearly seven-hour journey, Buckingham
Palace released a statement highlighting key moments from the King’s previous
visits to Canada. The Palace’s message invited the public to look back on
memorable occasions, from greeting crowds on Parliament Hill in Ottawa in 1975
and visiting Brigis in Newfoundland in 2009, to meeting indigenous communities
in Halifax and touring Quidi Vidi Village in 2022.
This tour carries particular significance as King Charles is scheduled to open
the Canadian Parliament on Tuesday—the first time a reigning British monarch
has performed the duty since his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did so 68 years
ago.
The King’s visit comes at a delicate time, with ongoing political tensions
between the United States and Europe. Observers expect Charles to employ his
signature style of soft diplomacy during the trip, especially in response to
recent remarks from former US President Trump suggesting Canada could become a
51st state.
As the nation awaits their arrival, the visit underscores both the deep-rooted
relationship between the Crown and Canada, and King Charles’s evolving
diplomatic role on the international stage.
