King Charles is set to make history next week as the first monarch in almost 70 years to open Canada's Parliament.
The King will deliver the "speech from the throne" in Ottawa on Tuesday, a ceremonial role last performed by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1957.
This landmark visit comes at a diplomatically sensitive time, with Canada facing pressure from newly re-elected US President Donald Trump.
The royal visit follows the recent election victory of Mark Carney, who won on a wave of anti-Trump sentiment.
This landmark visit comes at a diplomatically sensitive time, with Canada facing pressure from newly re-elected US President Donald Trump.
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The King and Queen Camilla's trip marks their first official visit to Canada since the start of their reign.
"This is a big deal for the King to do this," says Jeremy Kinsman, former Canadian high commissioner to the UK, highlighting the significance of the royal visit.
The timing is particularly notable as Canada navigates its relationship with the United States under President Trump's leadership.
"I hope that Trump understands," Kinsman adds, suggesting the delicate diplomatic balance at play.
The King's speech will be delivered in both French and English, reflecting Canada's bilingual heritage.
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The visit represents a strong symbolic gesture of support for Canada at a time of heightened tensions with its powerful neighbour.
Kinsman expects the King's speech will send a clear message about Canadian independence, stating it will be "very affirmative of Canadian sovereignty" - a sentiment he believes Charles will "celebrate saying".
The King's speech will be delivered in both French and English, reflecting Canada's bilingual heritage. It will primarily outline the government's legislative plans, but Kinsman predicts it will emphasise that "Canada will not be the US 51st state."
"It will say the government will protect, pursue and preserve the sovereignty of Canada as an independent state," Kinsman forecasts.
While most of the speech will be written on the advice of Canada's government, there is precedent for personal remarks. Queen Elizabeth II began her 1977 throne speech with her own comments, suggesting King Charles may add personal thoughts.
"I don't know what pronoun they'll use," notes Kinsman about the personal nature of the address.
The ceremony in Ottawa will be more understated than its Westminster counterpart. The King will wear a suit rather than ceremonial regalia, with no crown or gown in sight.
The speech is expected to last about 25 minutes, covering the Canadian government's legislative agenda. There will likely be acknowledgements of Canada's First Nations communities during the address.
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The timing is particularly notable as Canada navigates its relationship with the United States under President Trump's leadership.
REUTERSMel Cappe, a former Canadian minister who has helped prepare throne speeches, explains that while the King may add "a few paragraphs of his own at the beginning" to "give his own personal view," the overall text will be approved by Canada's prime minister and officials.
Cappe believes Charles will strike a careful balance in his approach to US-Canada relations.
"He's not going to poke President Trump in the eye. That would cause a problem for Canada. On the other hand he isn't going to suck up to Donald Trump," says Cappe, who also served as a high commissioner to the UK.
