King Charles, Queen Camilla arrive in Canada to kick off royal tour
Posted May 26, 2025 2:00 am.
Last Updated May 26, 2025 3:27 pm.
King Charles and Queen Camilla touched down in Ottawa on Monday afternoon, kicking off a royal tour that marks their first visit to Canada since the King’s coronation two years ago.
A plane carrying the King and Queen landed in Ottawa shortly after 1 p.m.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Gov. Gen. Mary Simon were among those who greeted them upon landing. An arrival guard from the Royal Canadian Dragoons was also on-hand to welcome them.
The couple then headed to Lansdowne Park — a large events venue in the heart of the nation’s capital — to meet with community members.
The King and Queen took part in a community gathering at Lansdowne Park which drew a large crowd, with some chanting “God Save the King! God Save the King!”
The pair meet with local vendors and artisans and enjoyed cultural performances. Later, the King dropped the puck to kick off a street hockey game featuring children from the African Hockey Association and l’Association de hockey feminin Vallee de Gatineau.
Honorary coaches included former Senators defenceman Chris Phillips and Olympic soccer gold medalist Desiree Scott.
After their time at Lansdowne Park, they headed to Rideau Hall, arriving around 3 p.m. to a chorus of “God Save the King” from the crowd before taking part in a tree planting ceremony.
Inside the hall, a member of the Canadian Armed Forces announced the arrival of the prime minister, who entered the room and bowed in front of the King before they shook hands.
After the King says it’s great to be here, Carney replied, “It’s our honour to have you here.”
The pair then sat down in front of the fireplace as the media was ushered out.
The royal visit holds significant weight in light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to absorb Canada. Trump has repeatedly said he wants Canada to become the 51st state — something Prime Minister Carney assured him would never happen when the two met earlier this month.
‘Pivotal moment in our history’: Simon
Simon issued a media statement Monday morning welcoming the King and Queen to Canada.
“The presence of Their Majesties at this pivotal moment in our history holds profound significance. It reaffirms the enduring constitutional bond that has shaped Canada’s journey into a proud and independent nation,” Simon said.
“The Crown’s role in Canada is more than symbolic; it serves as a cornerstone of the democratic freedoms and rights we cherish. The presence of Their Majesties fosters a sense of unity among Canadians, reminding us of the shared values that bring us together — respect, compassion and hope.”
Carney has asked the King to read the speech from the throne on Tuesday, which sets out the government’s priorities for the legislative session.
It will be the first time Canada’s head of state has opened Parliament since Queen Elizabeth II did so in 1977.
Carney said in a media statement Monday that “this historic honour matches the weight of our times.”
“To that end, the speech from the throne will outline the government’s ambitious plan to act with urgency and determination, and to deliver the change Canadians want and deserve: to define a new economic and security relationship with the United States, to build the strongest economy in the G7, to bring down the cost of living, and to keep communities safe,” he said.
Royal watchers, meanwhile, were excitedly awaiting the arrival of King Charles and Queen Camilla.
“I’m a royalist at heart, I love the royals and it’s something that’s been in my family for generations,” one woman told CityNews. “We get up for every wedding, every funeral, every celebration. I flew out here from Edmonton yesterday.”
“It’s very important right now that we embrace our heritage and defend our sovereignty,” another said.
CityNews reporter Mark McAllister, who is covering the event, touched on its significance.
“The fact that it’s normally the governor general who delivers this speech and this time it’s going to be the King … pretty significant and obviously this is all in and around the shadow of the federal election taking place and everyone talking about president Donald Trump and talking about the 51st state,” he said.
“This is symbolism as much as it is the speech from the throne, this is a chance for Canada and this government to say ‘No we are very much a sovereign nation and we do have our history, we do have our ties to the monarchy.”
First National leaders gather at Parliament Hill
Dozens of First Nations leaders from across the country gathered in front of Parliament Hill today with a message for the King as he arrives in the city — respect your treaty partners.
The leaders say they also want the federal Liberals to take action on reforming the child welfare system, protecting traditional lands and building infrastructure desperately needed in Indigenous communities.
Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Vice Chief David Pratt says King Charles, and in turn Canada, should uphold and respect the treaty relationship they began with his ancestors.
He says the relationship between First Nations and the Crown was not intended to be one-sided and that the Crown should not be dictating to them on how to live their lives.
The King and Queen are scheduled to meet with the leaders of three Indigenous organizations — Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse, ITK President Natan Obed and Metis National Council President Victoria Pruden, later Monday.
