King Charles to Visit Canada, Deliver Historic Throne Speech in Ottawa

 

King Charles to Visit Canada, Deliver Historic Throne Speech in Ottawa

King Charles III will visit Canada later this month to deliver the speech from the throne, marking the first time a reigning monarch has done so since 1977. The address will officially open the new session of Parliament on May 27 in Ottawa.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the visit on Friday, calling it a "historic honour that matches the weight of our times." Queen Camilla will accompany the King during the two-day visit, which has been confirmed for May 26 and 27 by Governor General Mary Simon.

“Whit and I will be delighted to welcome Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla to Canada,” Simon said in a statement. “Our Canadian identity is deeply rooted in our Constitution, and this visit highlights the enduring relationship between Canada and the Crown.”

Carney emphasized that the King's role in opening Parliament sends a strong message of Canadian sovereignty—especially in light of recent rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly suggested that Canada could become America’s 51st state.

“Having King Charles open Parliament clearly underscores Canada’s independence and our distinct national identity,” Carney said.

Every new parliamentary session begins with a throne speech, outlining the government's priorities and legislative agenda. According to CBC News, Carney had raised the idea of the King delivering the address during a private meeting at Buckingham Palace before the recent federal election.

Royal historians and experts say the visit carries powerful symbolic weight. “It’s a clear signal of the King's commitment to his role as King of Canada,” said royal author Carolyn Harris. “The timing also reflects the need to reaffirm Canada's sovereignty in a politically sensitive moment.”

Toronto-based royal historian Justin Vovk added, “With Carney having campaigned on an anti-Trump platform, this visit helps reinforce Canada’s independence and its unique place in the Commonwealth.”

Charles’s recent speech to the Italian parliament—where he referred to himself as “King of Canada”—also drew attention, especially as it came outside a Commonwealth setting. Experts see this as a deliberate show of support for Canada during a time of geopolitical tension.

The last time a monarch delivered the throne speech in Canada was in 1977, when Queen Elizabeth II opened Parliament. Her first time doing so was in 1957, during a similarly short visit.

While the full itinerary for this royal visit has yet to be released, it will be published soon by the Department of Canadian Heritage.