It was the first visit to Canada by His Majesty King Charles III, the reigning Canadian monarch. This momentous occasion brought tremendous joy to the royal family as well as the citizens of Canada. Speaking at the state opening of the Canadian Parliament, the King described his new role as a “historic honour.” He urged that it be “commensurate with the gravity of our age.” Together with Her Majesty Queen Camilla, their visit has been widely celebrated and highly regarded by communities across Canada, including Indigenous Peoples.
On their recent visit, King Charles hasn’t just reaffirmed his dedication to Canada. He’s actively shown his support by meeting with leaders from indigenous communities. He sat down with National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. He had the opportunity to discuss these matters with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami – ITK President Angajuqqaaq Natan Obed, and Métis National Council – MNC President Victoria Pruden. These meetings underscore the King’s intent to foster strong relationships with Canada’s diverse populations.
No one knows, but perhaps this is why King Charles worked hard behind the scenes with key leaders. Included were former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney and Canada’s Governor General Mary Simon. These meetings, each lasting no more than 20 minutes, opened an opportunity for these critical conversations focused on the future of Canada. When Carney was received by the King at Rideau Hall, King Charles joked that he hoped he hadn’t interrupted ‘a big telephone call’.
The rest of the royal couple’s trip was equally inspiring with touching moments spent engaging with local communities. King Charles waved to hundreds of adoring schoolchildren from Ontario and Quebec who lined the route and welcomed his arrival with cheers. He remembered major anniversaries with the region’s senior residents. Betty Sinnett, who just celebrated her 100th birthday, and Richard Maxwell, who will turn 100 next month.
Artist rendering of King Charles meeting with 50 women under the sponsorship of Canadian businessman Garfield Weston. It’s just that they happened to have attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 together. Attendees like Carol Shipley were thankful for the King’s presence, particularly during this important time in Canadian history.
“I’m very happy that the King came today, particularly at this time in our history when we are striving for our sovereignty. I’m just so happy that he came. He said, ‘Lovely to see you’.” – Carol Shipley
In honor of the visit, King Charles and Queen Camilla planted an oak tree. This act of continuity is beautifully symbolic, since they had planted a sugar maple tree on their first tour of Canada back in 2017! This act is more than cosmetic, it is an important acknowledgment of the historical links that still bind the monarchy to Canada.
King Charles acknowledged the impactful role of Governor General Mary Simon, referring to her as a “force for good.” This honor serves as a reminder of leadership’s crucial role in fostering connections across the land of many people.
“I think he’s a good king, we need leaders like him. He’s a force for good.” – Carol Shipley
The King’s visit culminated with emotional farewells and crafted placards from his loving fans. Perhaps the most creative sign of the day came from Judy McNally, who passed around pictures of Princess Catherine from her visit in 2011.
