Monday May 26, 2025 | NATIONAL NEWS reporting from VICTORIA, BC [Posted at 11 pm PT]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Today King Charles III and Queen Camilla landed in Ottawa for a 24-hour whirlwind visit, one day ahead of the key reason for his visit which is reading the Canadian government’s Throne Speech on May 27.
After being greeted at the airport by Governor General Mary Simon and Prime Minister Mark Carney and their spouses, the King and Queen went directly to the Lansdowne open farmers market area in Ottawa to meet as many everyday Canadians as possible.
They saw food preparation, some dancing and street performances.
King Charles and Queen Camilla were joined at the market area by Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity, Parks Canada and Quebec Lieutenant, who toured some of the market areas with the King and prime minister.
King Charles dropped a puck for a game of street hockey. He got to keep the puck.
Planting a sturdy tree:
The King also planted a Blue Beech tree with symbolic significance — a hardy species of the Ontario region that grows slowly but can endure most weather hardships including full shade and full sun.
It is a small but mighty species of tree, much like Canada compared to the United States.
The wood of the Blue Beech can be used to create small wooden tools that are sturdy and strong.
Soil for the tree planting was gathered from all 13 provinces and territories across Canada, to symbolize the building and endurance of this nation. Charles added soil around the tree then Camilla did some watering from a watering can.
Charles likes to touch each ceremonial tree that he plants, after he does the formal part of the planting – a way of connecting with the meaning of the tree.
Governor General Mary Simon said the new tree represents ‘a living symbol of resilience, adaptability and heritage’.
Throne speech in the senate:
As sovereign of Canada, King Charles III will read the government’s speech from the throne for the first time in nearly 50 years.
That will take place in the Canadian Senate building in Ottawa on Tuesday May 27.
International impact:
The visit of King Charles to read Canada’s Throne Speech will be seen around the world that King Charles III is the sovereign of Canada. This is, in part, a symbolic statement to the United States administration that has been threatening Canada’s sovereignty with repeated remarks about Canada becoming “the 51st state” of the United States.
That approach from the US president has raised the ire of most Canadians who have for months now been more expressive than usual of national pride including the ‘elbows up’ message. Carney himself used ‘Canada Strong’ as his campaign slogan during the 45th General Election campaign in April 2025.
Quick trip for practical reasons:
The brief 24-hour turnaround by the King underscores the importance of this visit for its symbolic impact. The tight turnaround trip was reportedly squeezed in around the King’s already busy long-planned schedule. By keeping it to 24 hours it will be thought to not unduly disrupt the King and Queen with jet lag.
Another practicality and to keep things properly done, Queen Camilla was sworn in as a member of the Privy Council so that she can officially give King Charles advice on Canadian matters.
===== RELATED:
- King Charles to read Canada’s Throne Speech in senate chamber (May 26, 2025)
- King Charles III to deliver Canada’s Throne Speech (May 2, 2025)
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