26-05-2025
King Charles Canada visit 2025: Here's how royals have paid tribute to Canada in the past— Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, Queen Elizabeth II and more
King Charles is set to make his first royal visit to Canada as the official Head of State. Next Monday (May 26), the King, alongside Queen Camilla, will arrive in Canada for a two-day visit to Ottawa that culminates in the King's speech from the throne to open the 45th Parliament of Canada. Although brief, the highly anticipated visit is an example of the strong bond between Canada and the British Royal Family, and provides an opportunity for royals to show their love for Canada — not only through their public appearances but through their clothing as well.
Diplomatic dressing has long been a go-to for royals — specifically women. It's not uncommon for senior members of the Royal Family to plan their tour wardrobes to include tributes and nods to the country they're visiting by wearing the colours of the country's flag or sporting looks from designers native to their host country. When done correctly, royal tour wardrobes are thoughtful (and at times sentimental) with plenty of bright colours, so that royals can easily be spotted by spectators in a large crowd.
Ahead, we've scoured the archives of previous royal visits and tours of Canada. Keep reading to see how Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, Catherine, Princess of Wales and more royals have paid homage to Canada over the years.
The late monarch's accessories always told a story, especially when she travelled abroad. In 2010, Queen Elizabeth II wore an Enamel Maple Leaf Spray brooch with diamonds and anchored by a pearl during her visit to Canada.
The brooch was originally a gift for her grandmother, Queen Mary (then known as Mary Duchess of Cornwall), from the City of Montréal during her first royal visit to Canada in 1901.
During her 2010 visit, the Queen celebrated Canada Day in Ottawa in a festive ensemble with then Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
The look was similar to a polished Canada-inspired look that she wore during her visit in 1984.
In 1951, a then Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh attended a rodeo in Calgary. The Duke was festive in a Stetson while the couple kept warm under a Hudson's Bay Co. blanket.
During the tour, the then Princess wore a diamond and platinum Maple Leaf brooch by Asprey & Co.. The piece was gifted to the Queen Mother in 1939 by King George VI ahead of her first royal visit to Canada.
Queen Elizabeth inherited the piece upon her mother's death in 2002. It's become a go-to accessory for members of the royal family to wear during official visits to Canada.
In 2011, a newly-married Duke and Duchess of Cambridge headed to Canada for their first royal tour abroad.
The now Princess of Wales gave a masterclass in diplomatic dressing with her wardrobe that was full of red, white and plenty of maple leaf accessories, including the Queen's brooch and a maple leaf-inspired hat by Sylvia Fletcher for Lock & Co..
Like his grandparents, Prince William and his bride headed to Calgary. The couple enjoyed the Calgary Stampede while dressing in cowboy hats and jeans.
In 2016, the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge returned to Canada, this time with Prince George and Princess Charlotte in tow.
Princess Catherine arrived wearing a blue version of her Sylvia Fletcher for Lock & Co.. as well as the Queen's brooch.
The eight-day tour included events with then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The Princess wore a white and red tiered Alexander McQueen dress to visit Canadian Coast Guard crew and first responders in Kitsilano, B.C..
The then Duchess opted for a red draped midi dress by Preen and the diamond maple leaf brooch for a reception at Government House in Victoria.
Middleton incorporated red into her tour wardrobe once again, including a red collared Caroline Herrera coat during a visit to Whitehorse.
During her visit to the Yukon, the now Princess wore a jacket by Toronto-based outerwear brand, Sentaler. The "Kate Middleton Effect" caused the jacket to sell out within 24 hours of the royal's appearance.
In 1983, King Charles (then Prince of Wales) and Princess Diana travelled to Canada for an 18-day royal tour. The visit meant the couple missed Prince Williams first birthday (June 21), but celebrated the Princess's 22nd birthday in Canada on July 1.
The tour began in Halifax, with Diana stepping off the plane in a white and red windowpane dress and an ornate red hat by milliner John Boyd.
Throughout the tour, the Princess wore several red and white looks that featured elaborate collars and plenty of polka dots.
One of the standout looks during the royal tour was a red taffeta gown by Jan van Velden for the tour's farewell banquet in Edmonton. The dress featured a sheer bodice and sparkling red appliqués, and the Princess paired the look with the Spencer Tiara and diamond and pearl drop earrings.
The royal tour included some fashion fun as well. The couple donned Klondike period dress while attending a barbecue at Fort Edmonton Park in Alberta. The Princess wore a peach and white taffeta gown by British costume designer John Bright, who won an Oscar in 1985 for his work in A Room With A View.
Princess Diana returned to Canada in 1991 for another tour with her former husband, King Charles, as well as her two sons, Princes William and Harry. Diana attended a church service at St. James Cathedral Toronto with her sons wearing a white suit jacket and skirt with red trim.
The 1991 tour of Canada included a red houndstooth Moschino jacket as seen in the infamous picture of the Princess running to greet Princes William and Harry on the Britannia in Toronto.
In 1991, a 9-year-old Prince William and 7-year-old Prince Harry sported Canadian tuxedos after touring the Canadian frigate HMCS Ottowa with their parents.
Although not exactly an intentional homage to Canada, Princess Diana and her sons visited Niagara Falls, Ont. for a trip on the Maid of the Mist, complete with rain ponchos.
Queen Camilla (then known as the Duchess of Cornwall) wore Queen Elizabeth's maple leaf brooch during a Remembrance Day memorial in Ottawa.
During a 2014 visit to Halifax, the then Duchess of Cornwall wore a cobalt blue coat that featured the Nova Scotia tartan on its lapel, pockets and cuffs.
In 1987, the Duchess of York and Prince Andrew arrived in Canada for a 25-day tour across the country. The Duchess arrived for a banquet in Toronto wearing an off the shoulder red and white tuxedo-inspired gown and the York tiara, which was a piece Queen Elizabeth had made for the Duchess for her 1986 wedding.
