As King Charles and Queen Camilla touched down in Canada for their first official visit since their accession, Canada’s Governor General and Prime Minister shared messages of support welcoming Their Majesties home.
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, the first Indigenous Governor General, released a statement saying that “The presence of Their Majesties at this pivotal moment in our history holds profound significance. It reaffirms the enduring constitutional bond that has shaped Canada’s journey into a proud and independent nation.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney, who invited King Charles to deliver the Speech from the Throne at Tuesday’s Opening of Parliament, said that “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.”
The Governor General acts as King Charles’s representative in Canada and ordinarily presents the Speech from the Throne. Tuesday will mark only the third time in Canada’s long history that the speech has been delivered by the Sovereign of Canada. Queen Elizabeth II delivered the speech in 1957 and 1977.
“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,” said Prime Minister Carney.
Giving a hint of what to expect in the Speech from the Throne, the Prime Minister mentioned “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.”
King Charles held meetings with the Governor General and the Prime Minister on Monday afternoon after touching down in Ottawa. He also added meetings with three Indigenous leaders: the Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak; the President of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Natan Obed; and the President of the Métis National Council, Victoria Pruden.
Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak shared photos of her greeting the King and Queen at the airport on her official Facebook page, captioning them “Welcome to Traditional First Nation Territory.”
In a statement on the Métis National Council website, Victoria Pruden shared: “It was a privilege to welcome Their Majesties and extend a warm welcome on behalf of the Métis Nation in this historic moment. The presence of my son, Kwennis, was especially meaningful as we look to future generations of Métis leadership and continue our journey of truth, reconciliation, and Nation-to-Nation relationships.“
“The Crown’s role in Canada is more than symbolic,” the Governor General wrote. “It serves as a cornerstone of the democratic freedoms and rights we cherish. The presence of Their Majesties fosters a sense of unity among Canadians, reminding us of the shared values that bring us together—respect, compassion, and hope.”
