May 26 and 27, 2025
Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Whit Fraser participated in several events as part of the Royal Visit of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
His Majesty’s first visit as king of Canada highlighted the enduring relationship between Canada and the Crown.
May 26, 2025
Their Excellencies welcomed Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla upon their arrival at the Canada Reception Centre. Their Excellencies were accompanied by the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, and Mrs. Diana Fox Carney; National Indigenous leaders: Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak; Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami; Victoria Pruden, Métis National Council president; as well as by Her Honour the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and His Honour, Mr. Tony Viscardi; and Chief Greg Sarazin, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation.
The presence of Their Majesties at this pivotal moment in our history holds profound significance. It reaffirms the enduring constitutional bond that has shaped Canada’s journey into a proud and independent nation.
In the afternoon, Their Majesties the King and Queen planted a ceremonial tree on the grounds of Rideau Hall. This was the fifth tree planted by His Majesty and the second planted by Their Majesties together.
Their Majesties planted a blue-beech (Carpinus caroliniana), a small deciduous tree native to eastern North America. Typically found in moist, shaded woodlands and along stream banks, the blue-beech is known for its graceful form and distinctive, sinewy bark. Its finely serrated leaves emerge deep green in spring and summer, turning brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow in fall, adding vibrant colour to the landscape.
Following the tree planting, the Governor General had an audience with His Majesty King Charles III.
Their Excellencies also attended the swearing-in of Her Majesty Queen Camilla as Canadian Privy Councillor.
The King’s Privy Council for Canada is a group of Cabinet ministers, former Cabinet ministers and other prominent Canadians appointed to advise The King on issues of importance to the country. This includes both issues of State and constitutional affairs. The King is also a member.
Their Majesties and Their Excellencies met with the viceregal representatives.
May 27, 2025
Their Excellencies accompanied Their Majesties to the Senate of Canada by landau, escorted by horses of the RCMP Musical Ride. Upon arrival at the Senate of Canada building, Their Majesties received military honours, and His Majesty conducted an inspection of the guard and band.
Inside the Senate Chamber, Their Excellencies witnessed the delivery of the Speech from the Throne by His Majesty King Charles III.
After the Speech from the Throne, Their Excellencies greeted Their Majesties as they arrived at the National War Memorial for a wreath-laying ceremony. During the ceremony, His Majesty placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Her Majesty laid a bouquet of flowers. This unknown soldier represents all Canadians who have made the ultimate sacrifice in conflict.
Following the ceremony, Their Excellencies bid farewell to Their Majesties.
