Canada’s Crown in Action: King Charles’ Visit Highlights Monarch’s Enduring Role
King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit Ottawa next week for a two-day royal tour that will culminate in the King delivering Canada’s speech from the throne, marking the formal opening of the 45th Parliament.
It will be a rare and symbolic appearance by the monarch. Prime Minister Mark Carney previously said the visit “underscores the sovereignty” of Canada in the face of rising political tensions and annexation rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump.
The itinerary, released by the federal government, outlines a packed schedule of ceremonial events, public appearances, and high-level meetings from May 26 to 27.
Where to Watch the Throne Speech
- CTV News’ special throne speech coverage airs live on Tuesday, May 27, at 9 a.m. EDT on:
- CTV News Channel
- CTVNews.ca
- CP24.com
- CTV News and CP24 mobile apps
- A special edition of CTV’s Power Play will also air on Monday, May 26, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. EDT.
Other events will be streamed live, with written coverage and updates available via CTVNews.ca and CP24.com.
Itinerary Highlights: May 26–27
Monday, May 26
- Arrival in Ottawa
- Public community gathering at Lansdowne Park
- Ceremonial tree planting at Rideau Hall
- Meetings with Prime Minister Carney and Governor General Mary Simon
Tuesday, May 27
- Procession to the Senate accompanied by the RCMP’s Musical Ride
- Military honours and 21-gun salute
- Throne Speech delivered by the King at 11 a.m. EDT, officially opening the 45th Parliament
- Wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial (open to the public)
- Departure from Canada
Understanding the King’s Role in Canada
Though symbolic in nature, the visit reaffirms King Charles III’s role as Canada’s head of state. The King’s powers in Canada are exercised through the Governor General, including the dissolution of Parliament, appointment of prime ministers, and granting royal assent to legislation.
A statement from the Department of Canadian Heritage emphasizes that the monarch “does not rule,” but serves as a unifying figure and a personal embodiment of the Crown in Canada’s constitutional monarchy.
Where Does the King Stay in Canada?
While in Ottawa, King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to stay at Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General and the monarch’s home in Canada since 1867.
Previous Royal Visits to Canada
- May 2023: King Charles and Queen Camilla toured St. John’s, Ottawa, Yellowknife, and Dettah for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.
- July 2017: Then-Prince Charles and Camilla attended Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa.
- September 2016: Prince William and Catherine visited British Columbia, including Vancouver and Victoria.