On Monday, King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in Ottawa for a two-day visit to open the 45th session of Canada’s Parliament alongside Prime Minister Mark Carney. This marked King Charles’ first visit to Canada since ascending the throne on the 8th of September back in 2022.
It has been nearly 70 years since a reigning monarch opened Canada’s Parliament, and much has changed since then. While the royal visit carried historical significance, public opinion across Canada has been deeply divided.
A Nation Split
Some Canadians warmly welcomed the royal couple, viewing the visit as a symbol of the strong ties Canada and England have. But for many others, the presence of the monarchy feels increasingly irrelevant and to some even offensive. So the Brandon Gonez show team hit the streets to ask Torontonians what they thought.
“You don’t need them. That’s how I see it,” said a pedestrian. “We have the democracy right now, freedom of speech and everybody can be a king, I guess.”
Another person reflected on the diminished role of the monarchy since Canada’s constitutional evolution: “They don’t have the duties they used to have. I mean, in 1982, a lot of power was transferred to Canada, and since then, we’ve managed to do fairly well on our own.”
Criticism of the monarchy’s historical legacy was also a topic of discussion for some. “I don’t care at all,” said one critic. “I think the history of the monarchy and the violence that they’ve perpetrated throughout history is really just kind of guiding me and how I direct my energy in terms of if it’s newsworthy to me or even like worth respect, and I don’t think it is.”
Others were simply indifferent: “I don’t follow the monarchy. Maybe some people’s life revolve around them, not mine. They’re people like me and you—just rich.”
Despite the polarizing reactions, the visit included formal engagements, cultural activities, and meetings with Canadian officials, all aimed at reinforcing the relationship between Canada and the Crown.
Timing and Tensions
The timing of this royal visit also carries weight for the political status of Canada. With tensions high during a potential trade war with the U.S. and controversial “51st state” rhetoric emerging from American President Donald Trump, Charles’ presence to some may serve as a symbolic reminder of Canada’s distinct identity, sovereignty and strong ties to the Monarchy. In a moment where Canada’s sovereignty is being questioned the Crown’s appearance on Canadian grounds may be a subtle message to Canada’s southern neighbours that Canada will maintain their independence.
