Observing the King and Queen in close proximity is always a unique experience, but none more so than their brief 20-hour visit to Canada's capital city, Ottawa, this week.
Tuesday's engagements were full of pomp and pageantry, complete with a guard of honour from the 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, and a 21-gun salute.
It was boiling hot, but crowds braved the elements in the blistering sunshine for a fleeting chance to shake Their Majesties' hands.
Having covered Charles and Camilla's previous visit to Ottawa in May 2022, I was struck by how much support there was for the royal couple - and for Canadians' clear sense of patriotism.
‘Strong and free!’ King Charles backs Canadian sovereignty in speech that sends powerful message to Trump
Getty / Reuters
Perhaps President Donald Trump, suggesting Canada should become the 51st State of the United States of America, played a role in galvanising national pride
The centrepiece of the visit was His Majesty formally opening the 45th session of Canada's Parliament.
Sat on a throne, carved from a walnut tree which once stood in Windsor Great Park, he set out his Government's legislative agenda.
The speech, written by the Government, appeared to acknowledge concerns over national sovereignty, with the King stating: "Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them... Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can take away."
King Charles is in Ottawa for the state opening of Canadian ParliamentReutersThis appeared to be a subtle use of the King's "soft power" - a gentle, but direct nod, to anyone questioning Canada's independence.
Ever the diplomat, the King's reference to the United States in his speech was carefully worded, highlighting unity over division.
"The Prime Minister and the President of the United States, for example, have begun defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the US, rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests," His Majesty said.
After King Charles and Queen Camilla's departure, we spoke to Canada's Prime Minister, Mark Carney, who told us: "It was a very successful visit. A good reminder of the strength of Canadian institutions."
King Charles pictured speaking to former Canadian Prime Minister Justin TrudeauReutersLATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Queen Camilla sat beside her husband during his speechReutersHe added: "Our sovereignty is strong, the true north, strong and free."
Palace officials hoped the King's short visit would be "impactful", and in a statement, His Majesty hinted that he plans to return to Canada one day.
The 76-year-old monarch continues a weekly cycle of cancer treatment, but sources say he is continuing a full programme of national and international duties.
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