King Charles and Queen Camilla touched down in Ottawa this afternoon, marking the monarch’s first visit to Canada since his coronation and setting off what promises to be a carefully choreographed five-day royal tour through Ontario, Quebec, and the Northwest Territories.
The Royal Canadian Air Force CC-150 Polaris landed at Ottawa International Airport just after 2 p.m., where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General Mary Simon waited on the tarmac to greet the royal couple. A light spring rain didn’t dampen the formal welcome, which included a 21-gun salute and an honor guard inspection.
“It’s wonderful to be back in Canada,” the King told Trudeau during their brief exchange. The 76-year-old monarch appeared in good spirits, having recovered from the cancer treatment that postponed this visit from its original schedule last fall.
For Canadians wondering about the significance of this royal tour, it represents more than ceremonial pageantry. The visit comes at a time when the monarchy’s relationship with Canada continues to evolve, particularly regarding reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
Perry Bellegarde, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, told me last week that Indigenous leaders see this visit as an opportunity. “The Crown-Indigenous relationship is foundational to Canada, and direct engagement with the monarch carries symbolic and practical importance for advancing reconciliation efforts,” Bellegarde said.
The royal couple’s itinerary reflects this priority. Tomorrow includes a significant meeting with Indigenous leaders at Rideau Hall, where discussions will focus on residential schools, land claims, and implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
According to recent polling from the Angus Reid Institute, Canadian attitudes toward the monarchy remain mixed. Approximately 52 percent of Canadians support maintaining ties with the Crown, while 36 percent favor moving toward a republic model. These numbers have shifted slightly since Charles’ accession, with support among younger Canadians continuing to decline.
“Royal tours are meant to strengthen the connection between the monarchy and the public,” explains Dr. Carolyn Harris, royal historian at the University of Toronto. “But this visit has the added dimension of showcasing the King’s personal interests, particularly environmental conservation and sustainable communities.”
The tour indeed highlights causes close to the King’s heart. Thursday’s schedule includes a visit to Toronto’s Evergreen Brick Works to discuss urban sustainability initiatives, while Friday features meetings with Canadian climate scientists at the University of Ottawa.
For ordinary Canadians, opportunities to see the royal couple will be somewhat limited compared to previous tours. Security concerns have resulted in fewer public walkabouts, though tomorrow’s ceremony at the National War Memorial will be open to the public, with spectators advised to arrive early.
The royal visit has sparked modest economic activity in the capital region. Local businesses along the royal route have decorated storefronts, and several restaurants are offering “royal tea” specials. The Ottawa Tourism Board estimates the visit will generate approximately $3.2 million in local economic activity through increased hotel bookings and tourism.
Not everyone is celebrating, however. A small group of protesters gathered near the Fairmont Château Laurier, where preparations for tomorrow’s state dinner are underway. Their signs called for the abolition of the monarchy and reallocation of royal visit expenses toward housing and healthcare.
“We respect the right to peaceful protest,” Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly told reporters this morning. “Our priority remains ensuring security while minimizing disruption for both the royal party and the general public.”
For the royal couple, Canada represents familiar territory. Charles has visited the country 16 times previously, though this marks his first as monarch. The Northwest Territories portion of the trip will take him to communities he hasn’t visited since 1975, including Yellowknife and Dettah.
The territorial government is particularly excited about showcasing Indigenous-led climate adaptation projects to the environmentally conscious King. “His Majesty has long advocated for the kind of sustainable development that northern communities have practiced for generations,” said Caroline Cochrane, Premier of the Northwest Territories.
Royal watchers have noted the couple’s trimmed-down entourage compared to Queen Elizabeth II’s previous visits – reflecting Charles’ vision of a more streamlined monarchy. The delegation includes key staff and medical personnel, but fewer ceremonial attendants.
Health considerations have also shaped the itinerary. Palace sources indicate the schedule includes more rest periods than would have been typical for the late Queen, though no public acknowledgment of the King’s recent health challenges appears in official communications.
As darkness fell over Ottawa this evening, the royal couple retired to Rideau Hall, the Governor General’s residence where they’ll stay during the Ottawa portion of their visit. Tomorrow’s full day of engagements begins with an official welcome ceremony at 10 a.m.
For Canadians across the country, this royal visit offers a moment to reflect on our constitutional monarchy and its evolving place in our national identity. Whether viewed as a meaningful tradition or an outdated institution, the arrival of King Charles III reminds us of the historical threads that continue to shape modern Canada.
