King Charles has arrived at the state opening of the Canadian parliament.
He will soon deliver a speech from the throne to open the 45th session of Canada’s parliament in Ottawa.
It comes as Canada faces unwanted attention of Mr Trump who has launched a trade war against his neighbour and made threats to annex the country as America’s 51st state.
This is the King’s 20th visit to Canada, where he is the head of state. He is also the head of state of 13 other Commonwealth realms such as Australia and New Zealand.
King Charles and Queen Camilla were greeted by governor general Mary Simon, prime minister Mark Carney and his wife, Diana Fox Carney, when they arrived at Ottawa's Macdonald-Cartier International Airport on Monday.
Camilla was presented with a bouquet of flowers by schoolgirl Lila Graham, and the couple were warmly welcomed by school groups from Ontario and Quebec, including students enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme.
Key Points
- King Charles will open the first session of the 45th parliament
- What is a speech from the throne?
- It's the first time a king has opened a new session of parliament
- Inviting the King has been viewed as strategic
- King and Queen urged to seek an apology for the historical abuse of British Children
King Charles has arrived and will start his speech in a few minutes
15:53
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Rebeca Whittaker
The King is set to start his speech in the next few minutes.
The King will read what is put before him by Canada's prime minister and his team. The speech is usually read by Canada's governor general, the monarch's representative in Canada.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pictured with the king in his throne
15:46
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Rebecca Whittaker
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stand next to Britain's King Charles at the Senate of Canada Building in Ottawa.
Watch : King Charles arrives for historic speech
15:41
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Rebecca Whittaker
The Canadian Senate is full before King's speech
15:38
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Rebecca Whittaker
The Canadian Senate is packed as people wait for King Charles to enter.
When he arrives, he is due read the speech written by the government in English and French.
King Charles arrives to 'God Save the King'
15:32
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Rebecca Whittaker
The King and Queen have arrived at Canada’s Senate to cheers of “God Save the King”.
His arrival is followed by the firing of cannons 21 times.
Images of the thrones commissioned in 2017
15:27
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Rebecca Whittaker
Images of the thrones commissioned in 2017 and built with English walnut wood from Great Windsor Park donated by Queen Elizabeth II.
King Charles pictured arriving with Queen Camilla
15:21
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Rebecca Whittaker
Live: King Charles opens Canadian parliament amid Trump tensions
15:18
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Rebecca Whittaker
King Charles arrives for his speech
15:12
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Rebecca Whittaker
Prime Minister Mark Carney has arrived at the Senate
15:10
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Rebecca Whittaker
Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife Diana Fox Carney have arrived at the Senate for the speech.
What we know about the King's historic visit
15:07
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Rebecca Whittaker
- The King will be the second monarch, after Queen Elizabeth II, to open Canada's parliament and deliver the speech outlining the government's legislative agenda.
- The visit comes after the Liberal Party's recent election win, partly attributed to their opposition to former US President Donald Trump.
- The royal couple's itinerary includes celebrating Canada's cultural diversity, meeting with key figures like Governor General Mary Simon and Prime Minister Mark Carney, and attending a reception for provincial and territorial representatives.
- The visit aims to highlight the relationship between Canada and the Crown, as well as Canada's strength and diversity.
Trudeau spotted in pair of Adidas Gazelles
15:05
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Rebecca Whittaker
Margaret Trudeau and Former Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau arrive ahead of an appearance by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
But Trudeau has been spotted wearing a pair of Adidas Gazelles.
Prime Minister speaks in House of Commons ahead of King's speech
15:00
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Rebecca Whittaker
“This House has rules and traditions. They are the basis of our democracy, and we will uphold them,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said.
It’s an honour to rise in the House of Commons for the first time.
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) May 27, 2025
This House has rules and traditions. They are the basis of our democracy, and we will uphold them. pic.twitter.com/v7bbhQZr6e
King 'deeply shocked and saddened' by Liverpool crash
14:46
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Rebecca Whittaker
The King said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the crash during Liverpool’s Premier League title parade.
He said: “It is truly devastating to see that what should have been a joyous celebration for many could end in such distressing circumstances.
“At this heartbreaking time for the people of Liverpool, I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need.
“Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with all those who have been affected, and my special gratitude goes out to the first responders, emergency services personnel and other individuals who rushed to the aid of the injured.”
Read about the Liverpool car crash unfolded here:
'Best of Canada was on display this afternoon', says Prime Minister
14:45
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Rebecca Whittaker
Prime Minister Mark Carney shared the events at at Lansdowne Park on social media site X.
The best of Canada was on display this afternoon at Lansdowne Park.
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) May 27, 2025
Proud to accompany Their Majesties around Ottawa and show them what makes our country strong: our heritage, our diversity, and our people. pic.twitter.com/OrhvXPh6IF
Crowds gather to see the King
14:30
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Rebecca Whittaker
Crowds gather for the arrival of Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla in Ottawa.
Why is King Charles III delivering a rare speech in Canada – and is it an act of defiance against Trump?
14:00
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Rebecca Whittaker
The visit, at the invitation of new Prime Minister Mark Carney, comes in response to repeated suggestions by US President Donald Trump that the US should annex its northern neighbour.
Read more by Rob Gillies here:
The visit is a 'reminder of the bond between Canada and the Crown', says Prime Minister
13:30
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Rebecca Whittaker
In a statement released ahead of their arrival, Prime Minister Mark Carney said: “The royal visit is a reminder of the bond between Canada and the Crown – one forged over generations, shaped by shared histories, and grounded in common values.
“A bond that, over time, has evolved, just as Canada has, to reflect the strength, diversity, and confidence of our people.
“Tomorrow, His Majesty King Charles III will deliver the Speech from the Throne in the Senate Chamber, nearly 70 years after Canada’s Sovereign first opened Parliament.
“This historic honour matches the weight of our times. It speaks to our enduring tradition and friendship, to the vitality of our constitutional monarchy and our distinct identity, and to the historic ties that crises only fortify.”
King and Queen urged to seek an apology for the historical abuse of British Children
13:00
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Rebecca Whittaker
The King and Queen have been urged to use their visit to Canada to seek an apology for the historical abuse of British Children.
Between 1869 and 1948, more than 100,000 children were shipped to orphan homes in Canada from the UK.
But many of these children were used as cheap labour- such as farm workers and domestic servants. Some were also mistreated and abused.
However, Canada has not followed the UK and Australia in apologising for its involvement in child migrant schemes.
Canada has resisted calls to follow the UK and Australia in apologising for its involvement in child migrant schemes.
Campaigners for the Home Children told Sky News that the royal visit is a "great opportunity" for a change of heart.
"I would ask that King Charles uses his trip to request an apology," John Jefkins told the broadcaster.
King Charles visit to Canada in pictures
12:40
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Rebecca Whittaker
What will the French in Quebec think of the speech?
12:20
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Rebecca Whittaker
The monarchy has long been unpopular among Quebec’s French-speaking majority. Some nationalist voices in the province have been critical of the Carney government’s decision to invite the king to deliver the throne speech, Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal said.
"Whether the separatists work themselves into a lather over this frankly, I don’t care. I don’t think Quebecers will care a lot,” said Charest, the former premier of Quebec.
“The may not like the monarchy or whatever they’d like to read into it, but British institutions have served us very well.”
Will the King comment on the 51st state issue?
12:00
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Rebecca Whittaker
The King is set to read what is put before him by Canada's prime minister and his team. The speech is usually read by Canada's governor general, the monarch's representative in Canada.
Canada has faced repeat comments from Trump about making Canada the 51st US state, but experts say it’s unlikely Charles will address this.
“King Charles is unlikely to comment directly on the 51st state issue. Yet, his introductory remarks could feature broad statements about Canada’s integrity and sovereignty. At least this is what many Canadians would like him to do," said Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal.
King Charles to warn ‘Canada is not for sale’ during Ottawa trip after Trump threats
11:40
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Rebecca Whittaker
The King is set to warn that “Canada is not for sale” during his upcoming trip to the country in the face of threats from Donald Trump, the Canadian high commissioner has said.
Read more by Tara Cobham here:
Charles starts a game of hockey during event at Lansdowne Park
11:20
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Rebecca Whittaker
King Charles puts down the puck for the start of a game of hockey during a visit to a community event at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa, showcasing cultural heritage and diversity of Canada, as part of the royal two-day visit to Canada.
Signs the King is supporting Canada
11:00
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Rebecca Whittaker
Although the King is expected to avoid making political comments, he has made some symbolic gestures to support Canada amid Trump’s threat.
On the 60th anniversary of the first raising of the country's maple leaf flag in February, the King praised Canada as a "proud, resilient and compassionate country".
He was seen wearing Canadian medals when he visited aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales in March.
Plus, during a tree-planting ceremony at Buckingham Palace he chose a maple.
Pictured: Charles and Camilla arriving in Canada
10:40
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Rebecca Whittaker
King Charles III's visit to Canada underscores its sovereignty to Trump
10:20
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Rebecca Whittaker
King Charles III arrives in Ottawa on Monday, a visit that will underscore Canada's sovereignty to US President Donald Trump.
Trump’s repeated suggestion that the U.S. annex its northern neighbour prompted Prime Minister Mark Carney to invite Charles to give the speech from the throne that will outline his government's agenda for the new Parliament.
Read more by Rob Gillies here:
What will happen at the visit today?
10:00
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Rebecca Whittaker
The King and Queen will attend Canada’s Senate on Tuesday morning.
The royals will receive full military honours - including a 100-person guard of honour from the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, an inspection of the guard and the band, and a 21-gun salute.
The King is then set to deliver the speech at 11am local time.
After Charles and Camilla will pay their respects to Canada’s fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial.
'King Charles’s visit to Canada shows the monarchy’s quiet diplomatic strength'
09:40
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Rebecca Whittaker
There was a time when a royal visit to Canada was seen as a safe introduction to royal touring for novices.
This week’s visit to Ottawa by King Charles and Queen Camilla, although his first as monarch, belongs in a very different category.
Read more here:
Charles and Camilla experienced all aspects of Canadian life in visit
09:11
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Rebecca Whittaker
During the first day of their two-day visit to Canada, Charles and Camilla experienced all aspects of Canadian life from street hockey to a greeting from indigenous people, a trip widely seen as a show of support for the country in the face of challenges from the US leader.
Inviting the King has been viewed as strategic
09:09
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Rebecca Whittaker
Many have viewed Mark Carney’s invitation to King Charles as strategic.
Commentators will be looking for any veiled references to US President Donald Trump during the King’s speech.
Canada has faced the unwanted attention of Mr Trump who has launched a trade war against his neighbour and made threats to annex the country as America’s 51st state.
Canada's Governor General Mary Simon said the visit "highlights the enduring relationship between Canada and the Crown".
"Now more than ever, we need to come together to ensure a future that builds on our shared global values of democracy, equality and peace," she said.
It's the first time a king has opened a new session of parliament
09:01
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Rebecca Whittaker
The last time a member of the royal family delivered a throne speech in Canada was in 1977, when Elizabeth II read the speech for the second time.
Elizabeth read it for the first time in 1957.
However, this will be the first time a king has opened a new session of parliament.
In 1939, George VI granted royal assent to several bills during his visit to Canada, but he did not deliver a throne speech.
What is a speech from the throne?
08:54
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Rebcca Whittaker
The newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney has invited King Charles to inaugurate the new parliament.
The speech from the throne is traditionally given by the governor general, who is the monarch's top representative in Canada.
It’s read on behalf of the prime minister and sets out the governments agenda when a new parliament session is about to begin.
The House of Commons and Senate cannot conduct any public business before the Speech from the Throne is made.
Watch: King Charles arrives in Canada for first visit as head of state
08:48
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Rebeca Whittaker
King Charles will open the first session of the 45th parliament
08:47
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Rebecca Whittaker
Charles’ second day in the capital Ottawa will see him follow the precedent set by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957 and open the first session of the 45th parliament.
The King will be delivering the words of the Canadian government, similar to a UK State opening of parliament.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney said the King’s speech would “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”.