This Monday, May 26, King Charles III and Queen Camilla are embarking on a whirlwind trip to Canada, a journey of great importance for the British Crown. The visit will focus on the official opening of the Canadian Parliament, an event that is not only historic but also carries significant symbolic weight.
The royal agenda in Ottawa includes the reading of the Speech from the Throne, a tradition that hasn't taken place in Canada for half a century. It was Queen Elizabeth II who last delivered this speech in 1975. Charles III will do so in English and French, the country's two official languages, both holding the same status in federal institutions and courts.
This trip is taking place in a delicate international context. Canada is facing tensions due to tariff policies and annexationist threats coming from the United States under Donald Trump's administration. The presence of the king and queen is interpreted as a clear show of support for Canadian sovereignty, as well as for its commitment to the Commonwealth and NATO.
The program for the first day includes a visit to Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General. There, they will take part in a tree-planting ceremony alongside members of the local community.
The following day, Their Majesties will be transported to the Senate in the State Landau drawn by horses. They will be received with military honors by the Guard of Honor and the Canadian Royal Regiment.
After the formal opening of Parliament, Charles III and Camilla will lay a floral offering at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is a national monument that honors those fallen in war, thus closing a visit filled with symbolism and solemnity.
This protocol act holds the same institutional significance as the opening of Parliament in Westminster, in the United Kingdom. The figure of the monarch as head of state of Canada is reinforced by this visit, which highlights the historical and political ties between both countries.
Charles III, ill and working
Despite the intensity of his international agenda, Charles III has shown admirable strength. At 76 years old, the king continues to face treatment for cancer, although the exact details of his illness and therapy remain private. His commitment to official duties remains intact, despite personal difficulties.
On April 26, during the Pope's funeral, Prince William, as Prince of Wales, represented the royal family. This fact proves the continuity in the fulfillment of duties within the monarchy.
This trip to Canada, although brief, will be a crucial moment for the king and queen. Beyond the ceremony, it represents a gesture of support and unity with an allied nation at a complex time for international politics.