King Charles to Read Throne Speech as New Parliamentary Session Begins
This morning, King Charles will read the Liberal government’s throne speech to officially start a new session of Parliament.
The King’s visit was requested by Prime Minister Mark Carney. It also gives Canada a chance to show its connection to the Crown, especially after recent comments from Donald Trump suggesting Canada is like the “51st state.”
The speech from the throne is used to outline the government’s main goals and plans at the start of each new session of Parliament.
Usually, the Governor General reads the speech, but this will be only the third time since Confederation that the monarch will do it instead.
Today’s event will have more ceremony than usual. Around 10 a.m. Eastern Time, the King and Queen will travel to the Senate in Canada’s State Landau — a traditional horse-drawn carriage used for royal occasions. They will start the ride outside the Bank of Canada on Wellington Street.
The carriage will be escorted by 28 horses from the RCMP Musical Ride — 14 in front and 14 behind.
When the King arrives at the Senate, he will receive full military honours. This includes a 100-person guard of honour from the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, an inspection of the guard, a military band performance, and a 21-gun salute.
