The King spoke of his "greatest admiration" for Canada as he delivered a historic speech from the throne at the Canadian Senate in Ottawa. With the Queen by his side, Charles, 76, delivered the 26-minute speech, speaking in English and French, to formally open the 45th session of Parliament.
It was a landmark moment for the King, who has become only the second monarch – after Queen Elizabeth II – to attend the state opening and deliver the speech setting out the new government's legislative agenda.
The monarch opened with a personal introduction: "It is with a sense of deep pride and pleasure that my wife and I join you here today, as we witness Canadians coming together in a renewed sense of national pride, unity, and hope."
The two-day visit marked Charles's 20th visit to Canada, but his first as Sovereign.
© Getty Images"As I have said before, 'Every time I come to Canada… a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream – and from there straight to my heart'," he added in the opening lines of the speech, which set out the Canadian government's legislative agenda. I have always had the greatest admiration for Canada's unique identity, which is recognised across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defence of national values, and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians."
Canadians have seen the royal visit as a show of support for their country by its King, after Canada faced the unwanted attention of US President Donald Trump, who has launched a trade war against his neighbour and made threats to annex Canada as America's 51st state.
© Getty Images"Today, Canada faces another critical moment," continued the King. "Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the Government is determined to protect.
"Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them. Fundamental change is always unsettling. Yet this moment is also an incredible opportunity. An opportunity for renewal. An opportunity to think big and to act bigger. An opportunity for Canada to embark on the largest transformation of its economy since the Second World War.
© Victoria Jones/Shutterstock"A confident Canada, which has welcomed new Canadians, including from some of the most tragic global conflict zones, can seize this opportunity by recognising that all Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away. And that by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians."
On building new relationships with the US and the rest of the world, the King stated: "The Prime Minister and the President of the United States, for example, have begun defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the U.S., rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests, to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations.
© Getty Images"In parallel, the Government is working to strengthen its relationships with reliable trading partners and allies around the world, recognising that Canada has what the world needs and the values the world respects.
"Canada is ready to build a coalition of like-minded countries that share its values, that believe in international co-operation and the free and open exchange of goods, services, and ideas. In this new, fast-evolving world, Canada is ready to lead. This will be demonstrated in June, when Canada convenes the G7 Summit."
The second day of the visit began with pomp and pageantry as the King and Queen were accompanied by a royal escort for a military procession to Canada's Senate.
Charles and Camilla received full military honours upon arrival, including 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.
Their horse-drawn landau was led by 14 mounted riders with 14 more behind as they travelled with Canada's first indigenous Governor General Mary Simon and husband Whit Grant Fraser.
Greeting the couple outside the Senate was newly-elected Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife, Diana Fox Carney.
© Hannah McKay/Pool/ShutterstockThousands of people lined the streets to catch a glimpse of their royals in the State Landau, which was built in the 1890s in Australia. There were huge cheers and cries of "God Save The King" and "We love you King Charles," as the monarch stepped onto the national dais before inspecting the guard of honour.
While crowns and robes are customary for the British ceremony – and Queen Elizabeth II wore tiaras for both of her Canadian speeches from the throne – there was no regalia on display on this occasion. The King sported a suit, his medals and Order of Canada around his neck. The Queen looked elegant in a navy blue dress by Fiona Clare and matching hat by Philip Treacy. In a subtle tribute to the nation, Camilla wore her own Canadian Rifles brooch. Her Majesty is the regiment's Colonel-in-Chief and her equerry in Canada is also from that regiment.
© GettyThe two-day visit concluded with the King and Queen paying their respects to Canada's fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial.
See the best photos from the event...
1/11
© Getty ImagesThe King's arrival
Charles arrived for the service in a horse-drawn carriage. The monarch was treated to all the pomp and pageantry expected for the event.
2/11
© Alamy Stock PhotoWaving to the crowds
Charles and Camilla have been treated to cheering crowds as they've travelled through the country.
3/11
© Getty ImagesThrones
One of the key parts was two thrones that had been commissioned by his late mother. They still carried the late monarch's initials of 'ER'.
4/11
© Alamy Stock PhotoInspecting the guard
The King conducted the customary inspection of the guard, a role he has carried out dozens of times back in the United Kingdom.
5/11
© Victoria Jones/ShutterstockArriving at Parliament
Hundreds of guests were in attendance as Charles and Queen Camilla arrived at Parliament; the first time a monarch had opened the Canadian Parliament in 70 years.
6/11
© Alamy Stock PhotoOut with the old
Since Charles has last been in Canada, the country has changed leader. Even though he's no longer President, Charles still met and shook hands with Justin Trudeau.
7/11
© Victoria Jones/ShutterstockDelivering the speech
Charles delivered the 18-page speech, which was both in English and French.
8/11
© Ben Stansall/Pool/ShutterstockThe King's Speech
The monarch delivered the 18-page speech in just under half an hour. The speech lasted for 26 minutes.
9/11
© GettyA united front
After King Charles’s address to open Canada’s parliament, the couple went on a brief walkabout, clutching the hands of well-wishers and sharing a few words of greeting in brilliant summer sunshine.
10/11
© Getty ImagesShowing respect
Queen Camilla placed a bouquet on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial during a wreath-laying ceremony.
11/11
© GettyThe ceremony
The King acknowledged a royal salute from a guard of honour before four jets roared overhead in a fly-past from the Royal Canadian Air Force.
