UPDATE: King Charles arrives in Ottawa

(UPDATE: May 26 at 10:36 am): The King has arrived in Canada.

His plane landed in the glorious Ottawa sunshine at just after 1 pm local time (10 am Pacific).

He was greeted by dozens of people on the tarmac, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Governor General Mary Simon.

The monarch also met with First Nations leaders and Ottawa-area schoolchildren before departing in a BMW bearing the royal standard.

🇨🇦👑 Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla have arrived in Ottawa for the #RoyalVisit!

Welcomed by dignitaries and an arrival guard from the Royal Canadian Dragoons, Their Majesties begin their historic visit, which includes the #SpeechFromTheThrone. pic.twitter.com/vucisVTWmu

— The Crown in Canada (@TheCrownCa) May 26, 2025

He's now heading to Lansdowne Park in Ottawa, where he's set to drop the puck in a hockey game.

(Original story: May 26 at 6:30 am): King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to land in Ottawa later today in a visit branded a “historic honour” by Mark Carney.

The Royals are due to take part in a few events in the capital today and tomorrow during their first tour of Canada since Charles was enthroned in 2023.

The reason for the King’s visit is so he can deliver the speech from the throne personally in Parliament on Tuesday, the first time the monarch has performed that constitutional role since 1977.

“The Royal Visit is a reminder of the bond between Canada and the Crown – one forged over generations, shaped by shared histories, and grounded in common values,” Carney said in a statement this morning.

“A bond that, over time, has evolved, just as Canada has, to reflect the strength, diversity, and confidence of our people.”

He added: “Tomorrow, His Majesty King Charles III will deliver the Speech from the Throne in the Senate Chamber, nearly 70 years after Canada’s Sovereign first opened Parliament. This historic honour matches the weight of our times.

It speaks to our enduring tradition and friendship, to the vitality of our constitutional monarchy and our distinct identity, and to the historic ties that crises only fortify.”

The prime minister also repeated his point about the “union of peoples” that created Canada – the English, French and First Nations.

“Canada in the 21st century is a bold, ambitious, and innovative country that is bilingual, committed to reconciliation, and truly multicultural,” he said.

The King’s speech – which will outline the government’s plans for its time in office – will be about creating “a new economic and security relationship with the United States, to build the strongest economy in the G7, to bring down the cost of living, and to keep communities safe,” Carney said.

The speech would usually be delivered by the governor general. Mary Simon, the incumbent governor general, said it was of “profound significance” that Charles had chosen to perform the duty himself.

In a statement, she added: “The Crown’s role in Canada is more than symbolic; it serves as a cornerstone of the democratic freedoms and rights we cherish. The presence of Their Majesties fosters a sense of unity among Canadians, reminding us of the shared values that bring us together —respect, compassion, and hope."