King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at the Ottawa International Airport for a royal visit on Monday, May 26, 2025. The Canadian Press.
A bright Monday afternoon in Ottawa turned into a grand royal affair. Thousands of Canadians gathered to welcome King Charles and Queen Camilla as they touched down in the capital for a symbolic and timely visit.
The royal couple arrived just ahead of the King’s historic speech from the throne — a rare ceremonial act that hasn’t occurred in nearly five decades. Their visit comes at a politically charged moment, with tensions around global trade and sovereignty under scrutiny.
Warm Welcome on the Tarmac
Shortly after 1 p.m., the Canadian Armed Forces aircraft landed in Ottawa. The King, dressed in a taupe suit and burgundy tie, and Queen Camilla, wearing a pastel pink coat dress, were greeted warmly by Prime Minister Mark Carney, Governor General Mary Simon, and Indigenous leaders.
The couple exchanged handshakes with onlookers at the airport before leaving in a blue sedan. Members of the Royal Canadian Dragoons stood by in a ceremonial welcome.
King Charles Back in Canada Since the Coronation
This marks the first Canadian visit by King Charles and the Queen since his coronation two years ago. Their first stop: Lansdowne Park, Ottawa’s bustling events hub. Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault and Mayor Mark Sutcliffe led the local welcome.
There, the King dropped the ceremonial puck for a youth street hockey game. Among those involved was Chris Phillips, NHL veteran and former Ottawa Senators defenceman. He praised the King's enthusiasm, joking the monarch looked ready to join the kids.
Maple Syrup and Falafel: A Taste of Canada
The royals strolled through a lively farmers’ market, exchanging smiles with vendors. Sarah Garland, whose family runs a sugar shack nearby, handed over a jar of maple syrup to the King.
“If the King wants our maple syrup, we’ll give him the best,” Garland said, calling the visit a symbol of unity and heritage.
Nearby, the Altaouil family, Syrian refugees who run a falafel stand, greeted the royals with pride. Though nervous at first, they felt honoured to share their culinary traditions with Canada’s head of state.
Royal Enthusiasts Flock from Across the Nation
Jenna Kocik flew in from Yellowknife to see the royals. Clutching a flag combining Canadian and British emblems, she described the moment as "powerful and historic."
“The visit shows our strength as a nation and our bond with the Commonwealth,” she said.
Norman MacDonald, another spectator, echoed that sentiment. “Canada is not for sale, and it won’t be pushed around,” he stated, referencing global political pressures.
A Historic Throne Speech Awaits
Prime Minister Carney invited the King to deliver Tuesday’s speech from the throne — a first since Queen Elizabeth II did so in 1977. Carney emphasized its importance, calling it a “historic honour matching the weight of our times.”
The speech is expected to outline Canada’s bold plans: redefining U.S. relations, boosting the economy, curbing living costs, and enhancing security.
A Day Rooted in Unity
The King and Queen wrapped up their public engagements with a tree-planting ceremony at Rideau Hall. The symbolic blue-beech tree stood as a reminder of lasting ties between Crown and country.
The King also held late-afternoon meetings with Indigenous leaders and dignitaries, underscoring the visit’s deeper meaning.
Governor General Simon reflected on the moment, stating, “The Crown’s presence unites us. It speaks of respect, compassion, and our shared hope for Canada’s future.”
