Touching down in the Canadian capital, the royal couple was greeted by Governor-General Mary Simon, newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney, and a host of dignitaries, including Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, and other Indigenous leaders.
The visit, rich in symbolism and diplomacy, aims to strengthen ties between the Crown and Canada while celebrating the country’s cultural diversity. The visit began with a vibrant showcase of Canadian culture at Lansdowne Park, where King Charles and Queen Camilla took part in a series of engagements highlighting Indigenous traditions, local cuisine, and Canada’s beloved national sport—hockey.
Buckingham Palace provided official updates and shared charming moments from the first day. In a particularly meaningful tribute, Their Majesties took part in a tree-planting ceremony at Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor-General and symbolic home of the Canadian monarch, told the BBC.
“In the grounds of Rideau Hall, the official residence of the @GovernorGeneralCanada, Their Majesties have planted a Blue-Beech tree to recognise their visit,” the Royal Family said in a statement posted alongside a video of the ceremony.
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This act was not only to commemorate the current visit but also to honour the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles’s late mother. The statement noted, “There are over 150 commemorative trees in the grounds of the residence, including four trees which were planted by The King, as Prince of Wales, and five by Queen Elizabeth II.”
The tree planting underscored the monarchy’s longstanding relationship with Canada and highlighted Charles’s personal history with the country. His Majesty has visited Canada on multiple occasions throughout his life, often engaging with environmental, cultural, and Indigenous initiatives.
As part of their itinerary, the royal couple is expected to continue attending events that reflect the modern identity of Canada, with a particular focus on reconciliation and sustainability. The presence of Indigenous leaders at the welcome ceremony further emphasized the ongoing commitment to meaningful dialogue and recognition of Canada’s Indigenous heritage.
With their visit already making headlines, King Charles and Queen Camilla’s time in Ottawa serves as both a celebration of historical ties and a forward-looking gesture toward unity, culture, and progress in the Crown’s relationship with one of its most cherished Commonwealth realms.