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The public will have a few chances to see King Charles III and Queen Camilla next week during the brief royal visit to Ottawa.
They will be in Ottawa on Monday and Tuesday to attend the opening of the new session of Parliament. Charles will deliver the speech from the throne on Tuesday to outline the new Liberal government’s priorities for the upcoming session.
This will be Charles’ first visit to Canada as monarch.
“While the primary focus of the visit is His Majesty King Charles III delivering the Speech from the Throne, their Majesties will also engage with a variety of individuals and groups that reflect the geographic and cultural richness of the country,” Canadian Heritage said in a statement.
“This first visit as King of Canada marks a momentous and historic occasion, highlighting Canada’s identity and sovereignty as a constitutional monarchy.”
Canadian Heritage released an itinerary for the visit by Charles and Camilla, which includes a few changes for royal watchers to see their majesties.
Monday, May 26
1:50 p.m. - Lansdowne Park
Following their arrival at the Ottawa International Airport, King Charles and Queen Camilla will travel to Lansdowne Park to meet with members of community organizations and the public.
“Their Majesties will meet and engage with individuals and organizations showcasing Canadian identity and diversity and take part in various activities,” Canadian Heritage says on its website.
2:50 p.m. - Rideau Hall
Canadian Heritage says Charles and Camilla will travel to Rideau Hall and participate in a ceremonial tree planting.
They will also meet privately with Prime Minister Mark Carney and Governor General Mary Simon.
Canadian Heritage says the community gathering at Lansdowne and the ceremonial tree planting at Rideau Hall are open to the public.
Tuesday, May 27
9:50 a.m. - Wellington Street
King Charles and Queen Camilla will travel on Wellington Street from the Bank of Canada building at Bank Street to the Senate of Canada Building. Canadian Heritage says the royal couple will travel using Canada’s State Landau, drawn by horses of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride.
10:15 a.m. - Senate of Canada Building
King Charles will receive full military honours upon arrival at the Senate of Canada Building, which will include a Royal Salute, a 100-person guard of honour from the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, an inspection of the guard and the band, and a 21-gun salute.
11 a.m. Charles will deliver the speech from the throne to open the 45th Parliament.
11:55 a.m. - National War Memorial
Canadian Heritage says before concluding their visit, King Charles and Queen Camilla will lay a wreath and flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial.
King Charles and Queen Camilla will then travel to the Ottawa Airport to depart Canada.
Traffic disruptions
The City of Ottawa is warning motorists to expect temporary traffic disruptions during the Royal visit.
“The City is working with Canadian Heritage and its partners at the Ottawa Police Service to finalize plans for the King’s visit on May 26 and 27,” Krista Tanaka, director of Traffic Services, said in a statement on Thursday. “At this time, temporary traffic disruptions are expected for both days, with some significant road closures in the downtown core on May 27.”
The city released a list of areas where traffic disruptions will be experienced during the Royal visit.
Monday - temporary closures between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on:
- Airport Parkway/Bronson Avenue between Airport Parkway and Colonel By Drive
- Colonel By Drive between Airport Parkway and Rideau Street
- Sussex Drive between Rideau Street and Rideau Gate
- Elgin Street between Wellington Street and Laurier Avenue
- Findlay Avenue
- Torrington Place
- Queen Elizabeth Drive between Airport Parkway and Princess Patricia Way
- Princess Patricia Way
- Hunt Club between Riverside Drive and Airport Parkway
Tuesday - full road closures between 5 a.m. and 1 p.m. on:
- Rideau Street between Dalhousie Street and Sussex Drive
- Wellington Street between Lyon Street and Sussex Drive
- Lyon Street, Kent Street, Bank Street, O’Connor Street and Metcalfe Street between Wellington Street and Queen Street
- Elgin Street between Wellington Street and Laurier Avenue
- Sussex Drive and Mackenzie Avenue between the Alexandra Bridge and the corner of Wellington Street and Rideau Street
- Colonel By Drive between the corner of Wellington Street and Daly Avenue
The city says there will intermittent and temporary closures on the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge and Portage Bridges for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians on Monday and Tuesday.
With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Natalie van Rooy
