MAKING HISTORY

King Charles and Queen Camilla cross the pond for a landmark visit to Canada

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It may have been his 20th official trip to Canada, but it was no less momentous an occasion. In fact, it marked a first – his inaugural visit as King.

Three years into his reign, His Majesty - accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla - delighted Canadians with a whirlwind 36-hour visit in May that was anchored by a pivotal duty: to open the 45th session of Parliament.

Only twice before had Canada’s head of state presided at the opening, with Charles’s late mother, Elizabeth II, having done so in 1957 and once again 20 years later.

Prime Minister Mark Carney had extended the invitation to King Charles as political drama unfolded between the U.S. and Canada, with President Donald Trump repeatedly alluding to its potential as a 51st state. Said the newly elected PM when announcing the royal visit: “This historic honour matches the weight of our times.” Even amid his ongoing cancer treatment, the King obliged.

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