King Charles and Queen Camilla have landed at Ottawa International Airport to begin their first visit to Canada as Monarch and consort. In a truly Canadian welcome, they were welcomed by a diverse party.

The country’s Prime Minister Mark Carney was on hand at the airport to welcome the royal couple. Elected for his first term at the end of April, Carney has met The King several times while serving as the Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Governor of the Bank of England.

Following his election, Carney invited His Majesty to Canada to read the Throne Speech. Over the last four months, the US government has made continual comments on the sovereignty of Canada, with many commentators suggesting that King Charles’s visit is a way to emphasise Canada’s independence from its southern neighbour.

Governor General Mary Simon was also on the tarmac to greet The King and Queen. Simon was installed in her office in July 2021 and is the first Indigenous Governor General of Canada.

Several Indigenous leaders were included in the welcoming party, signifying the importance of the relationship between Indigenous groups and the Canadian Crown.

The National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, the President of the Metis National Council, Victoria Pruden, and the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Natan Obed were all on hand, as were several other chiefs and council leaders.