5 days ago
How Ottawa turned out for Charles and Camilla
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Ottawans came out in droves to catch a glimpse of King Charles and Queen Camilla during the royal couple's momentous trip to the Canadian capital on Monday and Tuesday.
The reason for the voyage was to shore up Canada's sovereignty. It was an occasion steeped in pomp and circumstance, including the King's meetings with dignitaries and his delivery of the throne speech.
But for ordinary Ottawans, it was a rare chance to see royalty in the flesh — and a privileged one at that, given the King and Queen did not stop at any other Canadian cities.
Here's a look at their two days in the capital — and some of the people who came out to greet them.
Monday
Charles and Camilla arrived at the Ottawa airport on Monday afternoon, their plane bearing the king's standard. The aircraft also featured a slogan underlining the trip's political undertones:
The couple disembarked and walked past a 25-member honour guard from the Royal Canadian Dragoons, for which Charles is colonel-in-chief.
WATCH | The Royals greet Prime Minister Mark Carney, Gov. Gen. Mary Simon and other dignitaries:
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive in Canada
1 day ago
Duration 4:20
Traditional drummers from Kitigan Zibi were there to mark the occasion too:
Among the first members of the public to shake the King's hand were students from a local school:
Then it was off to Lansdowne Park, where a much larger crowd awaited the King and Queen:
The farmers' market doesn't usually operate on Mondays, but hey, the Royals deserve a special display:
Representatives from La Tablée des Chefs, a culinary school in Longueuil, Que., also got their moment:
If you had a falafel demonstration on your royal visit bingo card, then you nailed it.
Ditto maple syrup:
A day before Charles's throne speech in the Senate, he participated at Lansdowne Park in a ceremonial puck drop with another Senator — former Ottawa Senators defenceman Chris Phillips — along with Ottawa Rapid FC soccer player Desiree Scott:
WATCH / More moments from Lansdowne Park:
Royal watchers lined up at Lansdowne Park hoping to get a glimpse – and a photo – of King Charles
22 hours ago
Duration 2:48
The King and Queen Camilla stopped off at Lansdowne after touching down in Ottawa before moving on to Rideau Hall for a ceremonial tree planting. The King will deliver the throne speech on Tuesday.
A noted horticulturalist, Charles naturally couldn't leave Lansdowne Park without being shown its civic gardens. There's Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe behind Camilla:
Next stop: Rideau Hall, the home of Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, where Charles and Camilla spent Monday night. Another large crowd was there to meet the royal couple on the grounds outside the hall.
WATCH | King Charles takes part in a tree planting ceremony at Rideau Hall:
King's blue beech tree a symbol of Canada's 'resilience'
1 day ago
Duration 1:55
Tuesday
Charles and Camilla's horse carriage ride down Wellington Street to the Senate, where Charles delivered the throne speech, offered Ottawans their best chance at spotting the couple.
Joanne Dix and her mom Laurette Parent where among those eagerly lining up in anticipation. Their post-procession plans? High tea at the Château Laurier, of course.
Also waiting by the side of the road was Tiffany Lepack of Arnprior, Ont., who pulled her kids out of the school for the occasion.
Charles and Camilla travelled in what's known as Canada's State Landau.
A French-language monarchist sign greeted the royal couple...
...while elsewhere, a group served up Bloc Québécois-themed cookies:
Edward Wang of Vancouver, who was visiting Ottawa, said he was grateful the King came despite his ongoing treatment for cancer:
WATCH | King Charles and Queen Camilla parade to Parliament:
King Charles and Queen Camilla parade to Parliament
6 hours ago
Duration 2:35
King Charles and Queen Camilla travelled in a ceremonial horse-drawn carriage through the Parliamentary precinct in Ottawa Tuesday ahead of the speech from the throne.
The carriage passed Parliament's Centre Block, which remains under construction for the forseeable future:
Charles and Camilla waved to the crowd...
...and finally arrived at the Senate...
...where Charles gave his speech. He said he was heartened to see a revival of "national pride, unity and hope" in Canada.
'The true north is, indeed, strong and free,' says King Charles in throne speech
4 hours ago
Duration 1:32
King Charles received a long round of applause on Tuesday in the Senate as he cited Canada's national anthem, saying the song reminds us, 'the true north is, indeed, strong and free.'
The couple concluded their trip with Charles placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial.
