King Charles III, Queen Camilla in Canada: See photos, subtle Queen Elizabeth II tribute
Corrections & clarifications: A previous version of this article misstated the title of Prime Minister Mark Carney.
King Charles III is paying a highly symbolic visit to Canada, which recognizes him as its sovereign, amid ongoing claims by President Donald Trump that the nation should become America's 51st state.
Travelling with his wife Queen Camilla, the king landed in Ottawa May 26, meeting on the airport tarmac with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Governor General Mary Simon, his representative in Canada.
Following an invitation from Carney, Charles is set to open parliament on May 27, the first time a British monarch has carried out the duty since his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did so 68 years ago.
Camilla paid subtle tribute to Queen Elizabeth, who died in 2022, with her pale pink getup, sporting a maple leaf diamond brooch gifted to Elizabeth by George VI and worn during her first-ever visit to Canada in 1939.
Charles, 76, is currently undergoing cancer treatment, which has limited his workload. The trip to Canada, among the 15 countries where he is monarch, represents a strong symbol of the king's support amid rising tensions with Trump.
His cancer diagnosis came on the heels of a difficult period for the royal family, as Princess Kate also underwent treatment for the disease and the palace continued to weather an ongoing dispute with Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan, who exited their royal duties after a public and ugly uncoupling with the crown.
Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to annex Canada, a proposition fiercely rebuffed by Carney, whose election win last month came partly on the back of that stance.
Charles has made subtle signals of his backing for Canada in recent months, wearing Canadian medals, calling himself the king of Canada, and describing its flag as "a symbol that never fails to elicit a sense of pride and admiration."
Charles' Canadian jaunt represents his first trip to the former British colony since becoming king in September 2022. It also signals a renewed will to travel amid health battles. The monarch did not attend the funeral of Pope Francis, sending Prince William instead.
The itinerary is packed, as he and Camilla take in the sights and tend to political duties. The royal couple visited a large park in Ottawa and met vendors and artists before participating in a ceremonial puck drop to launch a street hockey demonstration and planting a tree in another part of the city.
The pair then traveled in style to the Senate. Transported in a ceremonial horse-drawn carriage with a 28-horse escort, Charles delivered a 25-minute speech written by Carney's government.
Contributing: Anna Kaufman, Paste BN; Reuters