King Charles III and Queen Camilla visit Canada House on it’s 100th Anniversary
King Charles III and Queen Camilla were warmly welcomed by the Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Ralph Goodale, during their visit to Canada House in London. This special event marked the 100th anniversary of Canada House’s establishment as the home of the Canadian High Commission on Trafalgar Square, celebrating its longstanding role in fostering Canada-UK relations. Adding to the sense of ceremony and tradition, the King and Queen were greeted at the entrance by members of the Canadian Mounted Police, who stood proudly in their iconic bright red uniforms, creating a striking and memorable sight.
During the visit, the royal couple were presented with a ceremonial key, skillfully crafted by Indigenous artist Morgan Asoyuf, symbolizing a connection to the tradition that began during King George V’s visit to Canada House in 1925. The presentation reflected Canada’s appreciation of its Indigenous heritage and its ongoing relationship with the monarchy. Inside, Their Majesties admired exhibitions featuring Canadian art and culture, including works from the Shenkman Indigenous Art Collection, and met with young Canadians residing in the United Kingdom. They were also treated to a performance from the musical Come From Away, which tells the uplifting story of how the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, provided extraordinary hospitality during the events of September 11.
During their visit to Canada House, the Canadian High Commissioner, His Excellency Ralph Goodale, presented King Charles with a detailed floor map of the historic building. The map highlighted key areas within Canada House, showcasing its architectural heritage and its role as a hub for Canadian culture and diplomacy in the heart of London. As the King observed the map, the Commissioner explained how the design incorporates elements symbolising Canada’s provinces and territories, as well as its Indigenous heritage, reflecting the country’s diversity and unity. This interactive moment underscored the building’s significance as a bridge between Canada and the United Kingdom.
This engagement served as a meaningful prelude to their upcoming state visit to Canada, scheduled for later this month. During the visit, King Charles is set to deliver the Speech from the Throne to open Canada’s 45th Parliament—an occasion steeped in history, as the last reigning monarch to do so was in 1977. Additionally, Queen Camilla is expected to be formally inducted into the Canadian Privy Council, further emphasising the strong ties between the Crown and Canada.
The visit to meet His Excellency Ralph Goodale, and his amazing team at Canada House transcended the celebration of its centenary, becoming a powerful testament to the unshakable bond and shared ideals that unite the United Kingdom and Canada. It stood as a vivid reminder of the rich history and dynamic partnership between the two nations. This momentous occasion radiated optimism and inspiration, setting the stage for Their Majesties’ upcoming royal tour—a journey brimming with promise, anticipation, and the profound potential to deepen the ties between Crown and Commonwealth.
