King Charles III and Queen Camilla were greeted by sunshine and enthusiastic crowds on Monday as they arrived in Ottawa for a symbolic two-day royal tour of Canada — a visit strategically designed to reaffirm Canada’s sovereignty and constitutional identity amid rising political tension with the United States.
This highly anticipated royal visit, requested by Prime Minister Mark Carney, comes at a time when former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited controversial rhetoric suggesting Canada could become “America’s 51st state.” The presence of the monarch serves as a direct message: Canada is not for sale — it is a proud, independent constitutional monarchy with a unique heritage.
Upon landing via Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) aircraft, Their Majesties were welcomed by Prime Minister Carney, Governor General Mary Simon, Indigenous leaders, and a military band. The royal couple then engaged with over 1,000 well-wishers at Lansdowne Park and participated in a ceremonial puck drop at a street hockey game — reinforcing their hands-on, people-first approach.
In a significant nod to Canada’s cultural and political landscape, King Charles opted for a Canadian-made BMW sedan over the American-made Lincoln Town Car used in past visits — a subtle but powerful response to ongoing U.S. tariffs on foreign auto imports.
The King also planted a blue beech tree at Rideau Hall, symbolizing “resilience, adaptability, and heritage.” Soil from all 13 provinces and territories was added — a gesture that mirrored the unity and strength of Canada’s constitutional monarchy.
“This visit is a reminder of Canada’s distinct path, shaped by British, French, and Indigenous influences,” said Prime Minister Carney. “The sun is shining, the land is strong — it’s a good day for Canada.”
Supporters broke into spontaneous renditions of God Save the King and O Canada during the ceremony. Some waved Canadian-Union Jack hybrid flags, while others expressed heartfelt sentiments, including “Thank you for coming, sir!” and “It’s an honour to meet you, Your Majesty.”
Jenna Kocik, who traveled from Yellowknife, called the moment “absolutely momentous,” while Norman MacDonald praised the King’s visit as “a powerful affirmation that Canada cannot be bullied.”
Wearing the symbolic diamond maple leaf brooch, Queen Camilla was officially sworn into the King’s Privy Council for Canada, marking her formal role in advising the monarch on key national matters.
The highlight of the visit will come Tuesday when King Charles delivers the Speech from the Throne — the first time a reigning monarch has done so in Canada since 1977. This event, which officially opens Parliament, reinforces the Crown’s role at the core of Canadian democracy.
Nathan Tidridge, vice-president of the Institute for the Study of the Crown in Canada, noted, “This visit presents a rare opportunity for Canadians to reflect on our institutions, treaties, and democracy.”
Recent polling by Pollara suggests a growing shift in Canadian public opinion, with support for retaining the monarchy on the rise. Tidridge believes the monarchy offers “stability and continuity in uncertain times.”
Amid discussions of annexation and trade disputes, Carney emphasized that “Canada’s identity is distinct from the U.S. — forged by generations of history and bound by the enduring strength of the Crown.”
The Prime Minister described Charles’s delivery of the throne speech as “an historic honour that speaks to the vitality of our democracy and the lasting bonds we share with the monarchy.”
Governor General Simon added that the King’s visit at this “pivotal moment” invites Canadians to “reflect on who we are and celebrate our unique national identity.”
However, not all Canadians are in favor. Citizens for a Canadian Republic (CCR), an anti-monarchy group, criticized the visit as a “step backward.”
“Our head of state, visiting from another continent, will open our Parliament — that undoes everything we’ve claimed to stand for,” said CCR director Jamie Bradley.
This marks King Charles’s first official visit to Canada since his coronation in 2023, delayed due to cancer treatment. Despite his physical absence, he has made symbolic gestures — including wearing Canadian military medals, planting a maple leaf tree at Buckingham Palace, and referencing Canada during international speeches.
In past visits, Charles has spoken fondly of Canada: “Every time I come here, a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream and goes straight to my heart,” he once remarked.
Queen Camilla’s Canadian roots also run deep; her ancestor, Sir Allan MacNab, was a pre-Confederation premier of Canada.
Swifteradio.com
