Ahead of his Coronation on Saturday, The King has been meeting with many Commonwealth leaders this week. On Thursday, he met with Canadian Governor General Mary Simon and Canadian Indigenous leaders. 

King Charles met with Canadian leaders at Buckingham Palace on Thursday. His Majesty was joined by the Governor General, Métis National Council president Cassidy Caron, Assembly of First Nations Chief RoseAnne Archibald, and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami president Natan Obed. 

Ms Simon is the first Indigenous Governor General of Canada; she is Inuk and has spent her career as a broadcaster, administrator, and politician bringing attention to Northern and Indigenous issues. She took office in July 2021 and represented Canada at The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, as well as the late Queen’s funeral in September of last year. 

The meeting was significant as the topic of reconciliation is of national importance in Canada, and in the past as Prince of Wales, Charles has shown his willingness to address the issue. On his 2022 tour to Canada, he met with Indigenous leaders, including Archibald. 

Ms Simon released a statement on Thursday explaining the importance of the meeting at Buckingham Palace. 

Her Excellency said: “Today was a historic day for Indigenous peoples, for Canada, and for our relationship with the Crown. Days before his Coronation, His Majesty King Charles III showed his commitment to reconciliation in a meeting with Indigenous leaders.

“The King understands the importance of walking the path of reconciliation with Canada and Indigenous peoples. Discussions like these are vital…

“I thank His Majesty for his dedication, and I thank the National Indigenous leaders for their participation in this audience, the first of its kind. I have great hope for an improved Crown-Indigenous relationship in the coming years.“

Mary Simon, Caron, Archibald, and Obed will be part of the Canadian party attending the Coronation on Saturday.