King Charles III and Queen Camilla are getting ready to visit Canada for two days! This trip is super important because it shows that they support Canada, especially with some not-so-nice comments from former US President Donald Trump.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, who just won an election where many people were unhappy with Trump, invited the royal couple. They will have a meeting in Ottawa during their visit.
On Tuesday, King Charles will give a speech called the “Speech from the Throne” to Canada’s Parliament. This is a big deal because it’s the first time a king has done this in almost 50 years! In his speech, he will talk about how Canada is its own country and that it shouldn’t be taken over by the US.
When they arrive in Ottawa on Monday, there will be a special welcome at the airport. They will also meet with different community groups, including representatives from Canada’s First Nation communities.
The King will meet Mary Simon, who is Canada’s first indigenous Governor General. This is a significant moment for both the King and the country.
This will be King Charles and Queen Camilla’s first trip to Canada since they became king and queen. They had to cancel a trip last year because King Charles was diagnosed with cancer.
By giving the Speech from the Throne, King Charles is doing something his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did twice during her reign in 1957 and 1977.
This visit is seen as a way to show support for Canada, especially after Trump suggested that Canada should become the 51st state of the US. Many people in Canada are feeling proud of their country, and some businesses are putting up signs that say “Proudly Canadian.”
Prime Minister Carney, who met Trump earlier this month, made it clear that Canada is “not for sale.” The King’s speech will likely echo this message, which is written with help from Canada’s government.
Former Canadian high commissioner to the UK, Jeremy Kinsman, said that the King will be happy to deliver this important message about Canada’s independence. He believes the speech will strongly affirm Canada’s sovereignty.
The speech will be in both French and English and will outline the Canadian government’s plans, similar to how the King speaks at the State Opening of Parliament in the UK. It will also emphasize Canada’s independence as a member of the Commonwealth and NATO.
Before the King’s visit, Prime Minister Carney said, “This is a historic honor which matches the weight of our times.”
During the ceremony, the King is expected to wear a suit, which will be more casual than the fancy crowns and robes seen in the UK’s Parliament openings.
In addition to the speech, this short trip will include community events in Ottawa and meetings with local leaders.
This royal visit is a bit of a balancing act. The King is the head of state for both Canada and the UK. In the UK, he has been working to keep good relations with the US, even sending a friendly letter to Trump inviting him for another state visit.
But in Canada, he will need to share a different message, supporting Canada’s government and its decision to reject Trump’s takeover ideas.
A royal source mentioned, “The King has a lot of experience and skill in handling these tricky situations. He is respected all over the world and has good relationships with leaders who understand his unique role.