Monarch to Attend Canada’s State Opening of Parliament for First Time in Nearly 50 Years
King Charles III is set to make a landmark appearance in Canada just hours after Prince Harry made an emotional appeal for reconciliation, marking a significant move during a turbulent time for the royal family.
The 76-year-old monarch will attend the state opening of Canada’s Parliament in Ottawa on May 26–27, becoming the first British sovereign to do so since 1977. Buckingham Palace confirmed that both King Charles and Queen Camilla will be present, highlighting the monarch’s continued role as Canada’s head of state.
The decision comes shortly after Prince Harry expressed a heartfelt desire to reconcile with his father in a BBC interview, following his defeat in the UK security appeal. “I want to reconcile with my family,” Harry said, though he admitted, “my father won’t speak to me.” His comments have been widely interpreted as placing the responsibility for repairing the rift back in the King’s hands.
Meanwhile, Charles is pressing ahead with international duties, including this high-profile visit to Canada and a recent trip to Italy, where he privately met with Pope Francis before the pontiff’s death.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney hailed the visit as a rare and symbolic moment: “This will be the first time in nearly 50 years that Canada’s Monarch takes part in the State Opening of Parliament. This historic honour matches the weight of our times.”
Traditionally, the opening address is delivered by the Governor General, but King Charles will personally deliver the Throne Speech, setting out the new government’s agenda.
As the King looks outward to uphold international bonds, his son’s emotional outreach leaves royal watchers wondering if a path toward personal reconciliation may still be possible.
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