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King Charles III Begins Royal Tour of Canada

MAY 26 2025·Updated MAY 28 2025

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Above: King Charles III and Queen Camilla depart Canada House in London on May 20, 2025, after marking its 100th anniversary since opening in 1925. Image credit: Arthur Edwards/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The Facts

King Charles III arrived in Ottawa on Monday for a two-day visit to Canada, marking his first trip to the country as its head of state since ascending the throne in 2022. He was accompanied by Queen Camilla for what Buckingham Palace described as a short but “impactful” tour.
GB News
Sky News
On Monday, the king will attend a community gathering at Lansdowne Park before partaking in a ceremonial tree planting at Rideau Hall. Charles will then hold audiences with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Governor General of Canada Mary Simon.
Government of Canada
Royal Family UK
On Tuesday, the king will become the second monarch after Queen Elizabeth II to open Canada's Parliament. Charles will also deliver the Speech from the Throne, outlining the government's legislative agenda in both French and English to the Senate chamber.
Government of Canada
Royal Family UK
BBC News
The royal tour will conclude with the king laying a wreath at the Canadian National War Memorial to honor Canada’s war dead and mark the 25th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, interred at the memorial.
Government of Canada
The Governor General of Canada
Speaking on the visit, Carney said that Canada had a “steadfast defender in our sovereign." Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture Steven Guilbeault, meanwhile, called it a “momentous occasion” that showcased Canada’s “special relationship” with the Crown.
Prime Minister of Canada
Independent
LBC
The visit comes amid rising concern in Canada over U.S. President Donald Trump’s rhetoric regarding Canadian sovereignty and his repeated calls for the country to become the 51st state.
The Telegraph
The Daily Beast

Sources Split

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The Spin

Anti-Trump narrative

The king’s visit demonstrates Canada’s strong relationship with the Crown and sends a clear message to President Trump. The royal tour, accompanied by the state opening of Canada’s Parliament, will reaffirm Canadian sovereignty and the independent identity that separates Canadians from their southern neighbors. Trump should take notice and drop his belligerent rhetoric.

The Telegraph

The Daily Beast

Pro-Trump narrative

If Canada wishes to send a message to the U.S., there are easier ways to do it than this. Rather than normalizing relations, theatre like this will only complicate it, irritating the Trump administration through its anti-American sentiment. Canadians should move past the 51st state saga and work on practical issues like trade and security rather than staging elaborate symbolic events.

CBC