King Charles' Canada visit live updates: Throne speech showcases Canada's ‘incredible opportunity' in face of U.S. tensions

Yahoo

27-05-2025

King Charles delivered a speech from the throne as he opened the 45th Parliament on Tuesday, May 27. It marked a historic moment, acting as the highlight to the monarch's two-day Canada visit.
In the throne speech, King Charles praised Canadian values, outlined the Liberals' agenda, while also reaffirming that Canada is well equipped to tackle the fundamental changes in its economic and security relationship with the United States. In his roughly 30-minute speech, he did not name Donald Trump, but said the relationship the "President" has with Prime Minister Mark Carney is "rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations.'
King Charles and Queen Camilla's historic visit comes as many Canadians continue to have Trump's annexation threats top of mind.
"The True North is indeed strong and free," said King Charles to a round of applause is the Senate of Canada, as he thanked everyone for the warm welcome he's received.
Below, as part of our live blog, you can follow along for the latest updates, analysis and developments as Yahoo Canada covers King Charles' visit before he departs Tuesday afternoon.
King Charles addressed key components of the Liberals' economic plans, by first acknowledging that 'many Canadians are struggling to get ahead.'
As part of their plans, the government will reduce middle class taxes and save two-income families up to $840 a year. It will cut the GST on homes for those at or under $1 million for first-time home buyers, by delivering savings of up to $50,0000. The plans also include lowering the GST on homes between $1-1.5 million.
The King also outlined the Liberals' plans to maintain programs that will save families thousands of dollars a year, such as through dental care.
Should Canada reconsider its ties with the monarchy?
An overarching goal is to build the strongest economy in the G7, which starts with 'with creating one Canadian economy out of 13. Internal barriers to trade and labor mobility cost Canada as much as $200 billion each year. The government will introduce legislation to remove all remaining federal barriers to internal trade and labor mobility by Canada Day.'
The Liberal government is now working with provinces, territories and Indigenous peoples to identify what projects are of national significance; ones that will not only connect Canada but also create 'high paying jobs for generations.' This will come in the form a new major federal project office, which is reduce theamount of time needed to approve projects.
Among the Liberals' goals is to double the rate of home building behind Canadian technology, skilled workers and lumber, with an emphasis on creating 'build Canada homes.'
Queen Camilla arrived to the speech from the Throne wearing a navy blue dress that she paired with her three-strand pearl choker with Edwardian style diamond clasp. The look was understated and elegant, but featured a tribute to Canada and it's Armed Forces.
The Queen wore a diamond brooch of a maple leaf and the number "2" at its centre. At first glance, it may seem similar to the maple leaf brooch she wore when she arrived in Canada. However, the brooch is actually the symbol for the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada (QOR of C), the country's oldest continuously serving primary infantry regiment founded in 1860 and based in Toronto. The "2" represents the original battalion designation of the unit as well as rubies and emeralds.
The Queen has worn the brooch several times during her visits to Canada as well as international meetings with Canadian armed forces.
The QOR of C is a respected regiment with rich military history. During WWII, sseven members of the QOR of C were awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military distinction award in both the U.K. and Canada, in one day.
King Charles recognized that 'Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them.' While he didn't name Donald Trump, he cited that change is coming in regards to our relationship with the U.S. as we work toward a new future with the president.
'Fundamental change is always unsettling, yet this moment is also an incredible opportunity, an opportunity for renewal, an opportunity to think big and to act bigger, an opportunity for Canada to embark on the largest transformation of its economy since the Second World War," said King Charles.
"A confident Canada, which has welcomed new Canadians, including from some of the most tragic global conflict zones, can seize this opportunity by recognizing that all Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away and that by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians.
'The Prime Minister and the President of the United States, for example, have begun defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the United States, rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations.'
Earlier in his throne speech, King Charles said that while open global trade has helped deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, it is changing. As a result, "Canada's relationships with partners are also changing."
The King says that Canada is ready to start a "coalition of nations" that will share the same values, as it works with trusted allies toward international cooperation and free trade of goods, services and ideas.
King Charles attire for his Speech from the Throne symbolized a change in the relationship between Canada and the Crown.
Although the King and Queen were greeted with a familiar 21-gun salute and parade, the monarch's speech and appearance greatly differs from his predecessor and mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The King's slate blue pinstripe suit and blue windowpane tie are a departure from his mother's formality. The decision to opt against something elaborate can be read as a symbol of a shift between the Crown and Canada, one that's based on equality, service and shared values. The only sign of his title of monarch was the Sovereign Order of Canada around his neck and his military medals.
Queen Elizabeth II delivered two addresses to Canadian Parliament wearing formal regalia in both 1957 and 1977.
For her first Speech from the Throne, the late Queen wore the same dress she wore on her Coronation day in 1953. She also wore the Russian Fringe tiara, an elaborate piece of jewelry that she originally wore on her wedding day to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in 1947, and the same diamond coronation earrings and drop diamond pendant necklace.
In 1977, the Queen opted for another formal look, including her Canadian insignia and Order of Military Merit, and diamond and the Baring Ruby Necklace and Ruby Cluster Earrings which she inherited form her Grandmother, Queen Mary.
King Charles opened his throne speech praising Canadians for their national pride, one that he feels close to, while thanking Indigenous peoples for their hospitality during his visit as he looks toward a path of Truth and Reconciliation.
'It is with a deep sense of pride and pleasure that my wife and I join you here today as we witness Canadians coming together in a renewed sense of national pride, unity and hope,' said King Charles to Parliament, while acknowledging that they've gathered on the unseeded territory of the Algonquin and Anishinaabe people.
'This land acknowledgement is a recognition of shared history as a nation, while continuing to deepen my own understanding. It is my great hope that in each of your communities and collectively as a country, a path is found toward truth and reconciliation in both word and deed.'
'This is my 20th visit to Canada, spread over the course of more than half a century, and my first as sovereign. As I have said before, every time I come to Canada, a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream, and from there straight to my heart.
"I've always had the greatest admiration for Canada's unique identity, which is recognized across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defence of national values and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians. to the First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples, you have welcomed my family and myself to your traditional lands with great warmth and hospitality, for which I am humbly grateful."
Members of Parliament have been summoned by the the Usher of the Black Rod to appear in the chambers of the Senate of Canada, where King Charles awaits to deliver a throne speech.
As the official Usher, Peters is the King's official messenger tasked with maintaining order in Parliament. He also serves as the King's personal attendant during his visit. The black rod is used to knock on doors of the House of Commons to summon MPs to the Senate on behalf of the King.
King Charles does in fact speak French, and he's quite fluent.
In 2023, he made history by becoming the first British monarch to make a speech from France's senate chamber. The King spent long stretches speaking in French, as his speech generated a standing ovation and praise for his accent and fluency.
His speech was highlighted a strongly-worded call for unity and victory for Ukraine in its war against Russia following its "horrifying" invasion.
King Charles is set to address Canadian Parliament with a throne speech on Tuesday morning, one that he will deliver in both English and French.
Prime Minister Mark Carney's vision for nation-building and economic growth is expected to form the main thrust of the throne speech when King Charles reads it today in the Canadian Senate.
In a speech to his caucus Sunday, Carney laid out his governing agenda for the re-opening of Parliament.
Carney said his government's immediate focus will be on affordability measures, such as quickly passing the tax cut he promised during the campaign.
He said the Liberal government had been elected to do nothing less than define "a new economic and security relationship with the United States."
Carney said his ministers will immediately introduce legislation to fast-track infrastructure projects deemed to be in the national interest and bring in a bill to eliminate all federal barriers to free trade in Canada.
Carney said his minority government team will be "very, very busy" in not just the coming weeks, but also over the next few years, and accomplish things "previously thought impossible at speeds not seen in generations."
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived at the Senate of Canada with mother, Margaret Trudeau.
What's generated headlines is who he's sitting beside: former PM Stephen Harper, as the two exchanged laughs before taking a front row seat ahead of King Charles' throne speech.
King Charles and Queen Camilla travelled through downtown Ottawa in the state landau, a horse-drawn carriage as they started Day 2 of their Canada visit. They were escorted by members of the RCMP musical ride from the Bank of Canada to the Senate.
The monarch was seen wearing his Officer of the Order of Canada insignia.
Ahead of the Speech from the Throne to open the 45th Parliament, King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive at the Senate of Canada Building. Avant le discours du Trône ouvrant la 45e législature, le roi Charles III et la reine Camilla arrivent à l'édifice du Sénat du Canada. pic.twitter.com/1qVa4iyInh
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) May 27, 2025
The royal couple was then greeted by an honour guard, as King Charles inspected the guard and band before a 21-gun salute was offered.
People lined Wellington Street early in the morning to get a glimpse of the King and Queen, as the parade makes way to the throne speech later this morning. Chants of "God save the King" were loud and apparent as he greeted the crowd, before the playing of O Canada.
Inside the foyer of the Senate, King Charles was met with an Indigenous drumming performance.
Earlier this year, King Charles presented a new ceremonial sword to the Usher of the Black Rod of the Senate of Canada, J. Greg Peters. The sword featured the King's official cypher, 'CRIII' (Charles Rex III) along with a Tudor Crown and the date of his succession, Sept. 8, 2022, at the base of the blade.
The new sword gifted by the King will replace the one that featured his mother Queen Elizabeth II's cypher.
Peters helped design the sword which will serve as "a reminder that opposition and government seats are separated by two sword lengths, in both the U.K. and Canada."
As the official Usher, Peters is the King's official messenger tasked with maintaining order in Parliament. He also serves as the King's personal attendant during his visit.
The black rod is used to knock on doors of the House of Commons to summon MPs to the Senate on behalf of the King.
Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived at the Senate on Tuesday morning wearing his Officer of the Order of Canada insignia, and was met with a warm welcome.
All eyes are on the parade that King Charles and Queen Camilla will receive, as they make their way through Wellington Street in the state landau, a horse-drawn carriage.
Festivities have been delayed by about 15 minutes, which means the throne speech is expected to start closer to 11:30 a.m. EDT.
Canada's Prime Minister. The Right Honorable Mark Carney. Canadians should be very proud. I know I am. pic.twitter.com/kvgMiY6XLV
— Clay Thompson. (@harryt59_harry) May 27, 2025
The last time a monarch delivered the throne speech to Parliament, it was Queen Elizabeth II in 1977.
The address is traditionally given by the governor general, who acts as the monarch's top representative in Canada. Its purpose is to set out the government's agenda. No public business before the throne speech can be made, as it symbolically starts a new parliamentary session.
Queen Elizabeth II is the only British monarch to deliver a throne speech, having done so in 1977 and 1957. Tuesday's occasion will be the first time that a King will open a new session of parliament.
Later today, The King will open Parliament in Canada, becoming the first monarch to do so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1957. 🇨🇦📸 Queen Elizabeth II addresses the 23rd session of Canadian Parliament in 1957.Plus tard dans la journée, le Roi ouvrira la législature du Parlement… pic.twitter.com/fRuSqFg9LT
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 27, 2025
Early-bird royal watchers are lining up behind the barricades on Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
The King and Queen are set to begin their procession around 10 a.m. in a landau, a horse-drawn carriage, escorted by mounted RCMP officers. The entourage will head to the Senate building, where the King will receive full military honours, including a 21-gun salute.
The landau was built in Quebec and donated to Canada for royal visits.
During his Day 1 engagements in Ottawa, King Charles III appeared more relaxed and engaged than in previous Canadian trips, according to constitutional monarchy expert Errol Mendes.
"I am impressed with how close some of the Indigenous leaders are to the King and how Charles seems to have loosed his stiffness from past visits even while being asked to do things such as dropping the puck," Mendes shared with Yahoo News Canada.
This afternoon, The King held audiences with ITK President Natan Obed, Assembly of First Nations Chief Cindy Woodhouse and Metis National Council President Victoria Pruden. pic.twitter.com/OZ3uKP6LlZ
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 27, 2025
🏒⛸ Celebrating Canadian culture and heritage at Lansdowne Park!From hockey to local food, Their Majesties have kickstarted their visit to Ottawa at a showcase of the best of Canada.🏒⛸ Célébrons la culture et le patrimoine canadiens au parc Lansdowne!De hockey à la… pic.twitter.com/KU99k9Om3j
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 26, 2025
He added that Charles' demeanour "bodes well" and is a sign that "he may be able to bring back a small part of that genuine authentic love of the ordinary citizens that his mother had."
The monarch's mother and predecessor, Queen Elizabeth II, was known to connect with people of all classes. Whether through philanthropic activities of what has been called the 'welfare monarchy,' or her great sense of humour — the late Queen had a way about her that Charles' seems to carrying on with.
While King Charles and Queen Camilla have been greeted by hundreds of onlookers in Ottawa, a recent survey by Angus Reid Institute suggests that most Canadians are "indifferent" about the monarch's coming to Canada.
The survey found that 83 per cent of Canadians say they "don't care" about the visit, which will be highlighted by King Charles reading a speech from the throne on Tuesday morning to open the 45th Parliament.
Canadians' sentiments about King Charles have been known to differ. Since April 2022, those who view him favourably has stayed the same at 29 per cent, while unfavourable views of the monarch went from 17 per cent to 27 per cent.
The percentage of Canadians who believe Canada should continue as a constitutional monarchy "for generations to come" has also declined over the decades. Only 30 per cent of those polled believe that Canada should continue under the current system, while 46 per cent do not.
According to Angus Reid, support for the monarchy remains highest among Liberal voters, followed by those who vote Conservative.
For more findings from the Angus Reid Institute, read here.
A expert on Canada's relationship with the Crown as a constitutional monarchy is hoping King Charles' historic throne speech in Ottawa will send the United States a clear message on Canada's sovereignty.
Errol Mendes believes the King's presence is not just a figurehead but "the standard bearer of constitutional democracy" rooted in the U.K. and now entrenched in a sovereign Canada.
Mendes told Yahoo News Canada that the King embodies the rule of law, the separation of powers and the rights of citizens; it's these values that collectively form "the moral and sovereign foundation of Canada."
He added that Canada's constitutional framework stands in contrast to "the authoritarian or dictatorial regimes we are witnessing in Russia, China and sadly now in the U.S."
It's that commitment to democratic values, Mendes said, that he hopes "the head of state can deliver not only to Canadians but through the global media to leaders elsewhere and especially to the person in the White House."
On Tuesday May 27, King Charles and Queen Camilla will travel to the Senate of Canada building at 9:50 a.m. This event is open to the public. The couple will be carried in Canada's State Landau by horses of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on Wellington Street.
They will arrive at the Senate building by 10:15 a.m., greeted by a 21-gun salute. This event is open to the public.
At 11 a.m., King Charles will open the 45th Parliament with the speech from the throne, which is usually delivered by the Governor General. This speech opens every new session of Parliament.
While details of the speech have not been made public, Buckingham Palace revealed King Charles' speech from the throne will be non-political and he will not comment on Trump's call to make Canada the 51st state.
Before concluding their visit, King Charles and Queen Camilla will lay a wreath and flowers at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial.
King Charles III is coming to Canada to deliver a message: Canada is a sovereign nation distinct from the United States.
U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated suggestion that the U.S. annex its northern neighbor prompted new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to invite Charles to give the speech from the throne on Tuesday where he will lay out the Canadian government's agenda when Parliament reopens.
The monarch is the head of state in Canada, which is a member of the British Commonwealth of former colonies.
'Canada has a steadfast defender in our sovereign," Carney said when he announced the visit earlier this month.
It is extraordinarily rare for the monarch to deliver what's called the speech from the throne in Canada. Charles' mother, Queen Elizabeth II, only did it twice in her 70-year reign. The last time was in 1977.
Canadians are largely indifferent to the monarchy, but Carney has been eager to show the differences between Canada and the U.S. and he said that the king's visit clearly underscores the sovereignty of Canada.
For more on this story from the Associated Press, read here.
King Charles ended the first day of his royal visit to Ottawa holding private audiences with Governor General Mary Simon and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at Rideau Hall.
While comments and topics from these meetings are unlikely to be made public, experts shared with the CBC that it's a chance for King Charles to be more "candid" than he is at public events.
Former CBC Radio managing editor Jeffrey Dvorkin — an expert on public interest in the royal family in Canada — told Yahoo News Canada "his speech will have been written for him so I assume that the 'candid' conversation with the PM will be about giving the King some context."
Weighing in on the value behind the monarch's meeting with Carney and him opening the Canadian Parliament Tuesday, Dvorkin said the general expectation is for the King to follow in his late mother's footsteps in offering "sage advice" to country heads.
The King is a constitutional figure with a historical and legitimate role to play. True, he wasn't elected but that doesn't make his role less useful. His mother offered sage advice to Prime Ministers and one hopes, he will continue in that path. — Jeffrey Dvorkin, former CBC Radio managing editor
King Charles addressed key components of the Liberals' economic plans, by first acknowledging that 'many Canadians are struggling to get ahead.'
As part of their plans, the government will reduce middle class taxes and save two-income families up to $840 a year. It will cut the GST on homes for those at or under $1 million for first-time home buyers, by delivering savings of up to $50,0000. The plans also include lowering the GST on homes between $1-1.5 million.
The King also outlined the Liberals' plans to maintain programs that will save families thousands of dollars a year, such as through dental care.
Should Canada reconsider its ties with the monarchy?
An overarching goal is to build the strongest economy in the G7, which starts with 'with creating one Canadian economy out of 13. Internal barriers to trade and labor mobility cost Canada as much as $200 billion each year. The government will introduce legislation to remove all remaining federal barriers to internal trade and labor mobility by Canada Day.'
The Liberal government is now working with provinces, territories and Indigenous peoples to identify what projects are of national significance; ones that will not only connect Canada but also create 'high paying jobs for generations.' This will come in the form a new major federal project office, which is reduce theamount of time needed to approve projects.
Among the Liberals' goals is to double the rate of home building behind Canadian technology, skilled workers and lumber, with an emphasis on creating 'build Canada homes.'
Queen Camilla arrived to the speech from the Throne wearing a navy blue dress that she paired with her three-strand pearl choker with Edwardian style diamond clasp. The look was understated and elegant, but featured a tribute to Canada and it's Armed Forces.
The Queen wore a diamond brooch of a maple leaf and the number "2" at its centre. At first glance, it may seem similar to the maple leaf brooch she wore when she arrived in Canada. However, the brooch is actually the symbol for the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada (QOR of C), the country's oldest continuously serving primary infantry regiment founded in 1860 and based in Toronto. The "2" represents the original battalion designation of the unit as well as rubies and emeralds.
The Queen has worn the brooch several times during her visits to Canada as well as international meetings with Canadian armed forces.
The QOR of C is a respected regiment with rich military history. During WWII, sseven members of the QOR of C were awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military distinction award in both the U.K. and Canada, in one day.
King Charles recognized that 'Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them.' While he didn't name Donald Trump, he cited that change is coming in regards to our relationship with the U.S. as we work toward a new future with the president.
'Fundamental change is always unsettling, yet this moment is also an incredible opportunity, an opportunity for renewal, an opportunity to think big and to act bigger, an opportunity for Canada to embark on the largest transformation of its economy since the Second World War," said King Charles.
"A confident Canada, which has welcomed new Canadians, including from some of the most tragic global conflict zones, can seize this opportunity by recognizing that all Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away and that by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians.
'The Prime Minister and the President of the United States, for example, have begun defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the United States, rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations.'
Earlier in his throne speech, King Charles said that while open global trade has helped deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, it is changing. As a result, "Canada's relationships with partners are also changing."
The King says that Canada is ready to start a "coalition of nations" that will share the same values, as it works with trusted allies toward international cooperation and free trade of goods, services and ideas.
King Charles attire for his Speech from the Throne symbolized a change in the relationship between Canada and the Crown.
Although the King and Queen were greeted with a familiar 21-gun salute and parade, the monarch's speech and appearance greatly differs from his predecessor and mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The King's slate blue pinstripe suit and blue windowpane tie are a departure from his mother's formality. The decision to opt against something elaborate can be read as a symbol of a shift between the Crown and Canada, one that's based on equality, service and shared values. The only sign of his title of monarch was the Sovereign Order of Canada around his neck and his military medals.
Queen Elizabeth II delivered two addresses to Canadian Parliament wearing formal regalia in both 1957 and 1977.
For her first Speech from the Throne, the late Queen wore the same dress she wore on her Coronation day in 1953. She also wore the Russian Fringe tiara, an elaborate piece of jewelry that she originally wore on her wedding day to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in 1947, and the same diamond coronation earrings and drop diamond pendant necklace.
In 1977, the Queen opted for another formal look, including her Canadian insignia and Order of Military Merit, and diamond and the Baring Ruby Necklace and Ruby Cluster Earrings which she inherited form her Grandmother, Queen Mary.
King Charles opened his throne speech praising Canadians for their national pride, one that he feels close to, while thanking Indigenous peoples for their hospitality during his visit as he looks toward a path of Truth and Reconciliation.
'It is with a deep sense of pride and pleasure that my wife and I join you here today as we witness Canadians coming together in a renewed sense of national pride, unity and hope,' said King Charles to Parliament, while acknowledging that they've gathered on the unseeded territory of the Algonquin and Anishinaabe people.
'This land acknowledgement is a recognition of shared history as a nation, while continuing to deepen my own understanding. It is my great hope that in each of your communities and collectively as a country, a path is found toward truth and reconciliation in both word and deed.'
'This is my 20th visit to Canada, spread over the course of more than half a century, and my first as sovereign. As I have said before, every time I come to Canada, a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream, and from there straight to my heart.
"I've always had the greatest admiration for Canada's unique identity, which is recognized across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defence of national values and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians. to the First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples, you have welcomed my family and myself to your traditional lands with great warmth and hospitality, for which I am humbly grateful."
Members of Parliament have been summoned by the the Usher of the Black Rod to appear in the chambers of the Senate of Canada, where King Charles awaits to deliver a throne speech.
As the official Usher, Peters is the King's official messenger tasked with maintaining order in Parliament. He also serves as the King's personal attendant during his visit. The black rod is used to knock on doors of the House of Commons to summon MPs to the Senate on behalf of the King.
King Charles does in fact speak French, and he's quite fluent.
In 2023, he made history by becoming the first British monarch to make a speech from France's senate chamber. The King spent long stretches speaking in French, as his speech generated a standing ovation and praise for his accent and fluency.
His speech was highlighted a strongly-worded call for unity and victory for Ukraine in its war against Russia following its "horrifying" invasion.
King Charles is set to address Canadian Parliament with a throne speech on Tuesday morning, one that he will deliver in both English and French.
Prime Minister Mark Carney's vision for nation-building and economic growth is expected to form the main thrust of the throne speech when King Charles reads it today in the Canadian Senate.
In a speech to his caucus Sunday, Carney laid out his governing agenda for the re-opening of Parliament.
Carney said his government's immediate focus will be on affordability measures, such as quickly passing the tax cut he promised during the campaign.
He said the Liberal government had been elected to do nothing less than define "a new economic and security relationship with the United States."
Carney said his ministers will immediately introduce legislation to fast-track infrastructure projects deemed to be in the national interest and bring in a bill to eliminate all federal barriers to free trade in Canada.
Carney said his minority government team will be "very, very busy" in not just the coming weeks, but also over the next few years, and accomplish things "previously thought impossible at speeds not seen in generations."
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived at the Senate of Canada with mother, Margaret Trudeau.
What's generated headlines is who he's sitting beside: former PM Stephen Harper, as the two exchanged laughs before taking a front row seat ahead of King Charles' throne speech.
King Charles and Queen Camilla travelled through downtown Ottawa in the state landau, a horse-drawn carriage as they started Day 2 of their Canada visit. They were escorted by members of the RCMP musical ride from the Bank of Canada to the Senate.
The monarch was seen wearing his Officer of the Order of Canada insignia.
Ahead of the Speech from the Throne to open the 45th Parliament, King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive at the Senate of Canada Building. Avant le discours du Trône ouvrant la 45e législature, le roi Charles III et la reine Camilla arrivent à l'édifice du Sénat du Canada. pic.twitter.com/1qVa4iyInh
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) May 27, 2025
The royal couple was then greeted by an honour guard, as King Charles inspected the guard and band before a 21-gun salute was offered.
People lined Wellington Street early in the morning to get a glimpse of the King and Queen, as the parade makes way to the throne speech later this morning. Chants of "God save the King" were loud and apparent as he greeted the crowd, before the playing of O Canada.
Inside the foyer of the Senate, King Charles was met with an Indigenous drumming performance.
Earlier this year, King Charles presented a new ceremonial sword to the Usher of the Black Rod of the Senate of Canada, J. Greg Peters. The sword featured the King's official cypher, 'CRIII' (Charles Rex III) along with a Tudor Crown and the date of his succession, Sept. 8, 2022, at the base of the blade.
The new sword gifted by the King will replace the one that featured his mother Queen Elizabeth II's cypher.
Peters helped design the sword which will serve as "a reminder that opposition and government seats are separated by two sword lengths, in both the U.K. and Canada."
As the official Usher, Peters is the King's official messenger tasked with maintaining order in Parliament. He also serves as the King's personal attendant during his visit.
The black rod is used to knock on doors of the House of Commons to summon MPs to the Senate on behalf of the King.
Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived at the Senate on Tuesday morning wearing his Officer of the Order of Canada insignia, and was met with a warm welcome.
All eyes are on the parade that King Charles and Queen Camilla will receive, as they make their way through Wellington Street in the state landau, a horse-drawn carriage.
Festivities have been delayed by about 15 minutes, which means the throne speech is expected to start closer to 11:30 a.m. EDT.
Canada's Prime Minister. The Right Honorable Mark Carney. Canadians should be very proud. I know I am. pic.twitter.com/kvgMiY6XLV
— Clay Thompson. (@harryt59_harry) May 27, 2025
The last time a monarch delivered the throne speech to Parliament, it was Queen Elizabeth II in 1977.
The address is traditionally given by the governor general, who acts as the monarch's top representative in Canada. Its purpose is to set out the government's agenda. No public business before the throne speech can be made, as it symbolically starts a new parliamentary session.
Queen Elizabeth II is the only British monarch to deliver a throne speech, having done so in 1977 and 1957. Tuesday's occasion will be the first time that a King will open a new session of parliament.
Later today, The King will open Parliament in Canada, becoming the first monarch to do so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1957. 🇨🇦📸 Queen Elizabeth II addresses the 23rd session of Canadian Parliament in 1957.Plus tard dans la journée, le Roi ouvrira la législature du Parlement… pic.twitter.com/fRuSqFg9LT
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 27, 2025
Early-bird royal watchers are lining up behind the barricades on Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
The King and Queen are set to begin their procession around 10 a.m. in a landau, a horse-drawn carriage, escorted by mounted RCMP officers. The entourage will head to the Senate building, where the King will receive full military honours, including a 21-gun salute.
The landau was built in Quebec and donated to Canada for royal visits.
During his Day 1 engagements in Ottawa, King Charles III appeared more relaxed and engaged than in previous Canadian trips, according to constitutional monarchy expert Errol Mendes.
"I am impressed with how close some of the Indigenous leaders are to the King and how Charles seems to have loosed his stiffness from past visits even while being asked to do things such as dropping the puck," Mendes shared with Yahoo News Canada.
This afternoon, The King held audiences with ITK President Natan Obed, Assembly of First Nations Chief Cindy Woodhouse and Metis National Council President Victoria Pruden. pic.twitter.com/OZ3uKP6LlZ
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 27, 2025
🏒⛸ Celebrating Canadian culture and heritage at Lansdowne Park!From hockey to local food, Their Majesties have kickstarted their visit to Ottawa at a showcase of the best of Canada.🏒⛸ Célébrons la culture et le patrimoine canadiens au parc Lansdowne!De hockey à la… pic.twitter.com/KU99k9Om3j
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 26, 2025
He added that Charles' demeanour "bodes well" and is a sign that "he may be able to bring back a small part of that genuine authentic love of the ordinary citizens that his mother had."
The monarch's mother and predecessor, Queen Elizabeth II, was known to connect with people of all classes. Whether through philanthropic activities of what has been called the 'welfare monarchy,' or her great sense of humour — the late Queen had a way about her that Charles' seems to carrying on with.
While King Charles and Queen Camilla have been greeted by hundreds of onlookers in Ottawa, a recent survey by Angus Reid Institute suggests that most Canadians are "indifferent" about the monarch's coming to Canada.
The survey found that 83 per cent of Canadians say they "don't care" about the visit, which will be highlighted by King Charles reading a speech from the throne on Tuesday morning to open the 45th Parliament.
Canadians' sentiments about King Charles have been known to differ. Since April 2022, those who view him favourably has stayed the same at 29 per cent, while unfavourable views of the monarch went from 17 per cent to 27 per cent.
The percentage of Canadians who believe Canada should continue as a constitutional monarchy "for generations to come" has also declined over the decades. Only 30 per cent of those polled believe that Canada should continue under the current system, while 46 per cent do not.
According to Angus Reid, support for the monarchy remains highest among Liberal voters, followed by those who vote Conservative.
For more findings from the Angus Reid Institute, read here.
A expert on Canada's relationship with the Crown as a constitutional monarchy is hoping King Charles' historic throne speech in Ottawa will send the United States a clear message on Canada's sovereignty.
Errol Mendes believes the King's presence is not just a figurehead but "the standard bearer of constitutional democracy" rooted in the U.K. and now entrenched in a sovereign Canada.
Mendes told Yahoo News Canada that the King embodies the rule of law, the separation of powers and the rights of citizens; it's these values that collectively form "the moral and sovereign foundation of Canada."
He added that Canada's constitutional framework stands in contrast to "the authoritarian or dictatorial regimes we are witnessing in Russia, China and sadly now in the U.S."
It's that commitment to democratic values, Mendes said, that he hopes "the head of state can deliver not only to Canadians but through the global media to leaders elsewhere and especially to the person in the White House."
On Tuesday May 27, King Charles and Queen Camilla will travel to the Senate of Canada building at 9:50 a.m. This event is open to the public. The couple will be carried in Canada's State Landau by horses of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on Wellington Street.
They will arrive at the Senate building by 10:15 a.m., greeted by a 21-gun salute. This event is open to the public.
At 11 a.m., King Charles will open the 45th Parliament with the speech from the throne, which is usually delivered by the Governor General. This speech opens every new session of Parliament.
While details of the speech have not been made public, Buckingham Palace revealed King Charles' speech from the throne will be non-political and he will not comment on Trump's call to make Canada the 51st state.
Before concluding their visit, King Charles and Queen Camilla will lay a wreath and flowers at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial.
King Charles III is coming to Canada to deliver a message: Canada is a sovereign nation distinct from the United States.
U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated suggestion that the U.S. annex its northern neighbor prompted new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to invite Charles to give the speech from the throne on Tuesday where he will lay out the Canadian government's agenda when Parliament reopens.
The monarch is the head of state in Canada, which is a member of the British Commonwealth of former colonies.
'Canada has a steadfast defender in our sovereign," Carney said when he announced the visit earlier this month.
It is extraordinarily rare for the monarch to deliver what's called the speech from the throne in Canada. Charles' mother, Queen Elizabeth II, only did it twice in her 70-year reign. The last time was in 1977.
Canadians are largely indifferent to the monarchy, but Carney has been eager to show the differences between Canada and the U.S. and he said that the king's visit clearly underscores the sovereignty of Canada.
For more on this story from the Associated Press, read here.
King Charles ended the first day of his royal visit to Ottawa holding private audiences with Governor General Mary Simon and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at Rideau Hall.
While comments and topics from these meetings are unlikely to be made public, experts shared with the CBC that it's a chance for King Charles to be more "candid" than he is at public events.
Former CBC Radio managing editor Jeffrey Dvorkin — an expert on public interest in the royal family in Canada — told Yahoo News Canada "his speech will have been written for him so I assume that the 'candid' conversation with the PM will be about giving the King some context."
Weighing in on the value behind the monarch's meeting with Carney and him opening the Canadian Parliament Tuesday, Dvorkin said the general expectation is for the King to follow in his late mother's footsteps in offering "sage advice" to country heads.
The King is a constitutional figure with a historical and legitimate role to play. True, he wasn't elected but that doesn't make his role less useful. His mother offered sage advice to Prime Ministers and one hopes, he will continue in that path. — Jeffrey Dvorkin, former CBC Radio managing editor