King Charles's Throne Speech to Canada's Parliament

Summary

King Charles has given the throne speech to mark the opening session of Canada's parliament
In comments written by Prime Minister Mark Carney's government, he speaks of a "new economic and security relationship between Canada and the US, rooted in mutual respect" that will benefit "both sovereign nations"
He also says the Canadian government "will unleash a new era of growth that will ensure we don't just survive ongoing trade wars, but emerge from them stronger than ever"
And concluding, he says: "As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free" - a remark met with applause
The King was invited by Carney, who said the visit "underscores the sovereignty of our country" - a reference to Donald Trump's claims about making Canada the 51st US state
The speech was last read by a head of state - the King's mother, Queen Elizabeth II - in 1977

Live Reporting

Edited by Caitlin Wilson and Jacqueline Howard, with Nadine Yousif, Gary O'Donoghue, and Sean Coughlan in Ottawa

Waiting for the King inside the (temporary) Senate buildingpublished at 14:01 British Summer Time 27 May
Sean Coughlan
Royal correspondent, reporting from Ottawa
There's a hubbub of anticipation inside Canada's Senate building, ahead of the arrival of King Charles later this morning.
The parliamentarians are chatting on the floor of the chamber in a building that was once Ottawa's main railway station. The Senate has been relocated here while their own building is being renovated.
The centre of the chamber is where the station concourse used to be. Now they're waiting for a different kind of arrival.
Ottawa is ready for the Kingpublished at 13:59 British Summer Time 27 May
Royal watchers and workers are ready and waiting for King Charles outside of Canada's Senate building in Ottawa.
Check out the pictures below from this morning, as members of the public line the streets and a red carpet is rolled out:
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images
King Charles will be there with Camillapublished at 13:53 British Summer Time 27 May
Image source, PA Media
Queen Camilla has joined King Charles on this visit to Canada for the opening of the Parliament.
During the trip, the Queen is being sworn in as a member of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, allowing her to give formal advice to the King in his role as the King of Canada, CBC reports. , external
The couple last visited Canada in 2022, before Charles became King, for a three-day tour to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee at the time.
The King and the prime ministerpublished at 13:51 British Summer Time 27 May
Daniela Relph
Senior royal correspondent, reporting from Ottawa
Image source, PA Media
The relationship between King Charles and Prime Minister Mark Carney is unusual.
This isn't just a monarch meeting a new PM. They already know each other well due to Mark Carney's role as Governor of the Bank of England for seven years.
They will have met at State Banquets, royal engagements and at private, informal events. There is a familiarity there that will help any soft diplomacy.
And there is an additional personal connection too – Sean Carney, the prime minister's brother, is a member of the Royal Household. He is a senior aide working with the William and Catherine – the prince and princess of Wales.
Carney's invite is strategic - here’s whypublished at 13:39 British Summer Time 27 May
Jessica Murphy
BBC News, Toronto
Carney says he had invited the King to formally open Canada's 45th Parliament on 27 May.
That request is certainly strategic.
Carney said the King's visit "clearly underscores the sovereignty of our country" - a nod to Trump's 51st state remarks.
Trump also has a well-known admiration for the Royal Family. In February, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer used his trip to the White House to present Trump with a letter from King Charles offering to host a second state visit.
The King is Canada's head of state and is represented in Canada by Governor General Mary Simon.
The King is the head of state of Canada - Here’s what to knowpublished at 13:38 British Summer Time 27 May
Image source, Getty Images
Like the UK, Canada is a constitutional monarchy, meaning the King doesn't govern the country. Instead, he's a figurehead.
Formally, his role is to "unite Canadians and give a collective sense of belonging" to the country, according to the Canadian government.
His official title is King of Canada.
The Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon, operates as the Crown’s representative in Canada. She oversees the swearing-in of a new prime minister and their cabinet, and grants “royal assent” to new bills, which makes them law.
Despite the King's limited role in Canadian affairs, he occupies a significant ceremonial place in society. New Canadians citizens, for example, pledge allegiance to the King during their swearing-in ceremony because of his "embodiment" of Canadian values.
King and Queen visit Canada to kick off new Parliamentpublished at 13:36 British Summer Time 27 May
Image source, Reuters
King Charles and Queen Camilla are in Ottawa today, as the King prepares to deliver a traditional speech to open the 45th session of Canada's parliament.
It’s already a historic day - the last time Canada’s head of state delivered the Speech from the Throne was Queen Elizabeth II in 1977.
The day of pomp and pageantry is not without its politics. Newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney invited the King, and said his visit "clearly underscores the sovereignty of our country".
It was a nod to US President Donald Trump's remarks about Canada becoming the 51st state, as the neighbours also face tensions over cross-border tariffs.
Well be covering the day's events, with analysis from our royal reporters and correspondents - so stick with us.