People & Culture
Their Majesties explored a giant floor map of Canada created by Canadian Geographic Education in partnership with Parks Canada, one week before the King is set to open the new Parliamentary session in Ottawa
On May 20, King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited Canada House in London to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom, an enduring symbol of the deep and historic relationship between the two nations.
The celebration was emotional, with more than 300 staff members from Canada House lining the building’s elegant staircase, filling its historic halls and standing outside along the entrance facing Trafalgar Square.
Inside, the King and Queen of Canada paused to explore a giant floor map of the country, a gesture illustrating their deep affection for Canada and, implicitly, rebutting those who would question Canadian sovereignty.
Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Hon. Ralph Goodale, and Deputy High Commissioner Robert Fry were joined on the map by Chief Perry Bellegarde, Honorary President of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and Ron Hallman, President and CEO of Parks Canada, where they guided Their Majesties on a tour of Canada’s national parks and historic sites.
The giant floor map was created by Canadian Geographic Education in collaboration with Parks Canada and showcases the full breadth of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage, including every national park, national marine conservation area, and national historic site across the country.
“It was an honour to show Their Majesties some of the most beautiful sites across the country,” said Bellegarde. “King Charles III has dedicated much of his life to protecting nature, and we know how much he values the extraordinary natural heritage that means so much to Canadians.”
Added John Geiger, CEO of the RCGS, “The King has travelled to all of Canada’s provinces and territories, from sea to sea to sea, and has been to some very remote places in the country, even diving in the High Arctic. We are delighted that the King and Queen were able to revisit some of their own experiences in Canada by way of a map that is currently circulating in classrooms across Canada through our education program. Their deep affection for Canada was obvious.”
In fact, the King expressed a desire to have the “brilliant” map with him whenever he visits Canada, including next week.
The Royal visit to commemorate the centenary of Canada House in London comes just one week before King Charles III is set to deliver the Speech from the Throne in Ottawa, opening a new session of Canada’s Parliament, a rare and symbolic act of constitutional duty. The back-to-back visits to Canada House and Parliament are seen as historic, not only for their ceremonial importance but also for their broader geopolitical implications.
Canada is currently navigating a turbulent chapter in international relations, particularly with the United States under President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly dismissed Canada as “the 51st state” amid an escalating trade dispute. Geiger said he thought the King physically walking across the map sent a powerful message. “There can be no doubt that in the face of the 51st state threats, the King is a fierce defender of Canada’s sovereignty.”
As part of the centennial celebration at Canada House, the High Commissioner presented King Charles III with the ceremonial key to the building, followed by a visit to an exhibit highlighting a century of historic moments and Royal visits.
People & Culture
Bellegarde’s appointment to the Society’s top honorary position is a further acknowledgment of the strong ties between the former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations and the Society
People & Culture
The wisdom King Charles III has gained through an extraordinary lifetime of service and many visits to Canada will guide his relationship with this country in the days and years ahead
People & Culture
The First Nations political leader and Honorary President of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society reflects on his childhood on reserve and his role as an oskâpêwis — a Cree word meaning helper
People & Culture
Canadian identity and sovereignty are at the core of the King’s message, say RCGS Fellows in attendance