King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in Ottawa on May 26, 2025, for a two-day official visit to Canada, marking the King's first trip to the country since his accession. The visit, initiated at the invitation of Prime Minister Mark Carney, is seen as a symbolic affirmation of Canada's sovereignty amid recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting potential annexation of Canada.

A central event of the visit is King Charles III's delivery of the Speech from the Throne during the State Opening of the 45th Canadian Parliament on May 27. This marks the first time a reigning monarch has performed this duty in Canada since Queen Elizabeth II in 1977. The King's presence underscores the enduring relationship between Canada and the Crown, highlighting the nation's distinct identity as a constitutional monarchy.

The royal couple's itinerary includes various ceremonial and community engagements, such as attending cultural events and participating in a ceremonial hockey game, emphasizing the deep-rooted ties between Canada and the monarchy. These activities serve to reinforce the shared values and history that bind the two nations.

The visit comes in response to provocative comments made by President Trump earlier this year. In a Super Bowl interview three months prior, Trump stated his serious intentions to annex Canada, claiming economic benefits and suggesting that Canada cannot survive without U.S. trade. These remarks have been met with strong rejection by Canadian officials and citizens. Prime Minister Carney emphasized Canada's diverse roots—English, French, and Indigenous—and its distinct political system as a constitutional monarchy. Governor General Mary Simon, representing the King in Canada, joined Carney in welcoming the royal couple, reinforcing the nation's independent identity.

Public opinion in Canada regarding the monarchy has been mixed. A May 2025 poll released by Pollara Strategic Insights showed that Canadians' attitudes towards King Charles III and the monarchy have warmed, with 45% of Canadians supporting the constitutional monarchy, while 39% favor a republic. The royal visit serves as a reaffirmation of Canada's national identity and sovereignty, especially in the face of external pressures and provocative statements from foreign leaders.

The visit also requires careful navigation of diplomatic relations, especially considering the UK's interest in maintaining positive ties with the U.S. over key issues like Ukraine and trade. King Charles III's presence in Canada serves as a reaffirmation of the nation's sovereignty and its historical ties to the British monarchy. Amid external pressures and provocative statements from foreign leaders, the visit underscores Canada's distinct national identity and the enduring relationship between Canada and the Crown.