King Charles and Queen Camilla will arrive in Ottawa today for a historic two-day visit to Canada, marking the King's first trip to the Commonwealth nation since becoming monarch.
The royal couple will undertake a packed schedule of engagements in the Canadian capital despite the King's ongoing cancer treatment.
The brief but significant visit will see the King and Queen participate in various ceremonial, cultural and constitutional events that highlight the special relationship between the British monarchy and Canada.
Royal sources have confirmed that the schedule has been carefully planned to accommodate the King's health needs, ensuring he returns to the UK in time for his regular treatment.
Royal sources have confirmed that the schedule has been carefully planned to accommodate the King's health needs
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A source told the Mail: "It's challenging, less than 36 hours door to door, but although it feels very short and intense, that's actually the best way to handle it.
"The King and Queen will hit the ground running, cram in as much as they possibly can, all without even noticing the time difference. And the team will have him back in the UK for his regular scheduled [cancer] treatment as usual."
The King had originally planned a lengthier visit last year, but his cancer diagnosis and the Canadian electoral cycle prevented this.
The source indicated that a longer tour remains possible in the future, noting: "This [short visit] does not preclude the possibility of a longer royal tour of Canada in due course."
Their packed schedule for the first day includes a community event showcasing Canada's rich cultural heritage, where the royal couple will meet Canadians from various organisations across the country.
The King had originally planned a lengthier visit last year, but his cancer diagnosis and the Canadian electoral cycle prevented this.
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King Charles and Queen Camilla will hold audiences with the Governor General and Prime Minister Carney during their visit.
A significant moment will see The Queen sworn in as a member of the Canadian Privy Council.
The King and Queen will also plant a tree in the grounds of Rideau Hall, near the site of a sugar maple they planted during their previous tour of Canada in 2017.
The royal couple's first day will conclude with a reception for Lieutenant Governors from all 10 Canadian provinces and Territorial Commissioners from the three Territories.
On the second day of their visit, King Charles, as Head of State in Canada, will attend the State Opening of the Parliament of Canada, accompanied by Queen Camilla.
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During this historic ceremony, the King will deliver the Speech from the Throne to the Senate Chamber.
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During this historic ceremony, the King will deliver the Speech from the Throne to the Senate Chamber.
This marks only the second time a Sovereign has opened a Canadian Parliament, following Queen Elizabeth II who opened the twenty-third Canadian Parliament in October 1957.
It will be the third time a Sovereign has delivered a Speech from the Throne, representing a significant moment in the relationship between the Head of State and the Canadian people.
A royal source highlighted the King's unique position, saying: "There is no other world leader like him, who is head of state of 14 countries."
Before concluding their visit, the King will lay a wreath and flowers at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial, a solemn ceremony marking the end of their brief but historically significant tour of Ottawa.
