Britain’s King Charles III will visit Canada on 26–27 May to deliver the speech from the throne in Ottawa, according to the BBC. The visit comes at a time of rising tensions between Canada and the United States, after US President Donald Trump suggested making Canada the 51st state and raised tariffs on Canadian goods.
The 76-year-old monarch accepted an invitation from Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, despite being treated for cancer. The speech will mark the opening of Canada’s new parliament and outline the government’s plans.
In a press conference, Carney said: “This is an historic honour which matches the weight of our times.” He added that the King will “outline our government’s plan to build Canada strong.” The BBC reported that the speech is expected to focus on sovereignty and trade.
Traditionally, the throne speech is read by the governor general, the monarch’s official representative in Canada. The last time a British monarch delivered it was in 1977, when Queen Elizabeth II visited the country.
King Charles and Queen Camilla will attend a short 24-hour programme. The visit begins with a community event in Lansdowne Park, where they will attend a celebration of Canada’s diverse culture. The event will include music and crafts.
During the visit, the King will meet Prime Minister Carney and Governor General Mary Simon. He will also take part in a tree-planting ceremony at Rideau Hall, the governor general’s official residence. A short reception will follow with provincial and territorial leaders.
On 27 May, King Charles and Queen Camilla will take a carriage ride to the Senate. According to the BBC, the ride will involve 28 horses and include full military honours. The throne speech is scheduled to begin around 3:00 p.m. GMT.
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The visit will end with a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
This is King Charles’s first visit to Canada since becoming monarch in September 2022. It will be his 20th visit to the country overall. Queen Camilla has visited Canada five times before, but this is her first visit as queen.
Canadian doctor has been assigned to the King during the trip. King Charles is currently receiving weekly treatment for an unspecified cancer. Buckingham Palace said that the royal couple are “very much looking forward to the programme, mindful that it is a short visit but hopefully an impactful one.”
Tensions with the US have been growing. Prime Minister Carney met President Trump earlier this month at the White House. In response to Trump’s talk of a “wonderful marriage” between the two countries, Carney said: “Canada is not for sale. It won’t be for sale, ever.”
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Carney became prime minister on 14 March after replacing Justin Trudeau as leader of the Liberal Party. He won the general election in April with a focus on protecting Canada’s independence.
