King Charles, Queen Camilla arrive in Canada ahead of throne speech

King Charles and Queen Camilla greet school children as they arrive at the Ottawa International Airport in Ottawa for a royal visit on Monday, May 26, 2025. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick)

OTTAWA — King Charles arrived in Canada Monday afternoon for a short visit that will include reading the speech from the throne in Parliament.

The highly symbolic visit is happening as Canada copes with U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempts to upend global trade with tariffs and his repeated calls for Canada’s annexation.

The Canadian Armed Forces plane carrying the King and Queen Camilla landed in Ottawa shortly after 1 p.m.

• King Charles in Canada: Where to watch his throne speech, what’s on the itinerary

King Charles, in a grey suit and dark red tie, and Queen Camilla, in a pastel pink coat dress, were greeted on the tarmac by Canadian officials, including Prime Minster Mark Carney and Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, along with the leaders of national Indigenous organizations.

They then walked past a small group of onlookers gathered at the airport, shaking hands with some, before climbing into the back of a black sedan.

An arrival guard from the Royal Canadian Dragoons was also on hand to welcome the King and Queen.

This trip is the couple’s first visit to Canada since the King’s coronation two years ago.

Their first stop is Lansdowne Park -- a large events venue in the heart of the nation’s capital -- to meet with community members Monday afternoon.

A crowd started forming Monday morning behind barricades at Lansdowne, where vendors from the regular weekend farmers market were mobilizing to give the King and Queen a taste of Canada.

Sarah Garland, whose family runs a sugar shack in the Ottawa area, said they jumped at the chance to meet the royals when they were approached last week.

“If the King wants our maple syrup, have to give the man what he wants,” Garland said.

She said the King and Queen’s visit offers a “symbol of unity and family.”

A falafel stand run by Syrian refugees is set to serve lunch to the King and Queen during their visit.

Members of the Altaouil family said they were nervous but thrilled by the chance to share their cuisine with the King.

Jenna Kocik arrived early in the morning at Lansdowne carrying a banner blending the Canadian flag with the Union Jack.

Kocik, who described herself as a “passionate royalist,” said the visit is a testament to “strength in our sovereignty” and Canada’s connection to the Commonwealth in an uncertain geopolitical environment.

Another spectator, Norman MacDonald, said he’s “proud” that the King came to town to deliver a message on behalf of Canadians.

“Canada is not, obviously, for sale, and it’s not going to be bullied,” he said.

Carney asked the King to read the speech from the throne on Tuesday, which sets out the government’s priorities for the legislative session.

It will be the first time Canada’s head of state has opened Parliament since Queen Elizabeth II did so in 1977.

Carney said in a media statement Monday that “this historic honour matches the weight of our times.”

“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,” he said.

After touring the Lansdowne market, the King and Queen will head to Rideau Hall to meet again with Carney and Gov. Gen. Simon, who acts as the representative of the Crown in Canada.

Simon issued a media statement Monday morning welcoming the King and Queen 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,” Simon said.

“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.”

Craig Lord, The Canadian Press

-- with files from Nick Murray and David Baxter

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 26, 2025.