As it happened: What King Charles and Queen Camilla did after arriving in Canada
King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in Canada today for a short royal tour .
The couple will only be in the country for about 24 hours and King Charles will deliver the throne speech on Tuesday. Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement Monday morning, welcoming the royal couple, who landed at Macdonald-Cartier International Airport in Ottawa shortly after 1 p.m. ET.
“The Royal Visit is a reminder of the bond between Canada and the Crown — one forged over generations, shaped by shared histories, and grounded in common values. A bond that, over time, has evolved, just as Canada has, to reflect the strength, diversity, and confidence of our people,” Carney said.
The King was invited after Carney won the federal election and amid comments from U.S. President Donald Trump about making Canada the 51st state.
“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,” Governor General Mary Simon said in a statement on Monday. “The Crown’s role in Canada is more than symbolic; it serves as a cornerstone of the democratic freedoms and rights we cherish.”
King Charles arrived in Canada Monday afternoon for a short visit that will include reading the speech from the throne in Parliament.
The Canadian Armed Forces plane carrying the King and Queen Camilla landed in Ottawa shortly after 1 p.m.
King Charle and Queen Camilla were greeted on the tarmac by the Royal Canadian Dragoons, Carney, Simon and other officials, including leaders of Indigenous organizations, and members of the public.
The headed to Lansdowne Park to attend the Ottawa Farmers’ Markey and to meet with community members. They were welcomed by a large crowd of people and Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault and Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.
They visited various local vendors and King Charles took part in a ceremonial puck drop for a street hockey game.
They left the events venue at about 2:30 p.m. and headed to Rideau Hall for a tree planting ceremony. Aftter that, King Charles had a private meeting with Simon and another with Carney. Queen Camilla also took part in a swearing-in ceremony. She was sworn in as a member of the King’s Privy Council.
National Post will have live coverage of the throne speech and other events on Tuesday. Review Monday’s coverage here:
King Charles and Queen Camilla’s itinerary for Monday:
1:15 p.m. – King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive in Canada (open to media)
The couple will arrive at the Macdonald-Cartier International Airport in Ottawa. They will be welcomed at the Canada Reception Centre at the airport, which is used for guests of the government. They will be greeted by Governor General Mary Simon , Prime Minister Carney, his wife, Diana Fox Carney, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Edith Dumont and her spouse, Tony Viscardi, and Indigenous leaders: Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak; Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami; Victoria Pruden, Métis National Council president and Chief Greg Sarazin, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. There will be an arrival guard from the Royal Canadian Dragoons, a senior armoured regiment of the Canadian Armed Forces.
1:50 p.m. – Community gathering at Lansdowne Park (open to the public)
Charles and Camilla will visit the Ottawa Farmers’ Market, which isn’t usually open on Mondays. They will meet with local vendors and organizations and take part in various activities.
2:50 p.m. – Ceremonial tree planting at Rideau Hall (open to the public)
Charles and Camilla will visit Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General of Canada and the official residence of the King and Queen while in Canada.
The couple will participate in a tree planting ceremony at Royal Grove, on the grounds of Rideau Hall. This will be the fifth tree planted by Charles and the second joint planting by the couple.
They will plant a blue-beech (Carpinus caroliniana), a small deciduous tree native to eastern North America, according to the website for the Governor General. “Typically found in moist, shaded woodlands and along stream banks, the blue-beech is known for its graceful form and distinctive, sinewy bark. Its finely serrated leaves emerge deep green in spring and summer, turning brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow in fall, adding vibrant colour to the landscape.”
Charles and Camilla will be surrounded by the viceregal representatives, community groups and school groups.
Audiences with the Governor General and the prime minister
The King will meet with the Governor General of Canada in the Large Drawing Room at Rideau Hall. There will be a photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting.
Queen Camilla will then be sworn in as Canadian Privy Councillor during a ceremony in the Reception Room.
“The King’s Privy Council for Canada is a group of Cabinet ministers, former Cabinet ministers and other prominent Canadians appointed to advise The King on issues of importance to the country. This includes both issues of State and constitutional affairs. The King is also a member,” according to the website for the Governor General. There will be a photo opportunity to mark the end of the ceremony.
The King and Queen will then take a photo in the Ballroom with the viceregal representatives.
King Charles will also meet with the prime minister before concluding his schedule for the day.
On Tuesday, King Charles will visit Parliament and deliver the Speech from the Throne.
Read the full text of the prime minister’s statement:
Today, we are honoured to welcome Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla to Canada.
The Royal Visit is a reminder of the bond between Canada and the Crown — one forged over generations, shaped by shared histories, and grounded in common values. A bond that, over time, has evolved, just as Canada has, to reflect the strength, diversity, and confidence of our people.
Tomorrow, His Majesty King Charles III will deliver the Speech from the Throne in the Senate Chamber, nearly 70 years after Canada’s Sovereign first opened Parliament. This historic honour matches the weight of our times. It speaks to our enduring tradition and friendship, to the vitality of our constitutional monarchy and our distinct identity, and to the historic ties that crises only fortify.
Canada’s strength lies in building a strong future while embracing its English, French, and Indigenous roots – the union of peoples that forms our bedrock. Canada in the 21st century is a bold, ambitious, and innovative country that is bilingual, committed to reconciliation, and truly multicultural.
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.
Read the full text of the Governor General’s statement:
Today, my husband, Whit, and I join all Canadians in welcoming Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla 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.
Their visit invites us to reflect on who we are and to celebrate our distinct national identity.
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.
May the visit of Their Majesties to Canada inspire us to move forward with renewed purpose and determination, as we continue to shape the next chapter of our remarkable national story.
Welcome home, Your Majesties.