The King and Queen visit Ottawa

Good morning! 

Sometimes you can blink and miss a life-defining moment. It’s easy to focus on what’s happening around you, but not let it fully sink in. 

Over the past two days I’ve toured around Ottawa with King Charles and Queen Camilla, who were in the Capital for the throne speech. It was my third time covering the Royal couple (they were in Ottawa in 2017 for Canada 150 and again in 2022 for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee), but this time felt different. The energy was different. This marked Charles’ 20th trip to Canada, but his first as King. 

It was a pinch-me moment to have a front row seat to it all. 

I wouldn’t call myself a monarchist, but I’ve always been fascinated by the Royal family. There is just so much history there. I’ve watched The Crown and the Harry and Megan Oprah interview. However, seeing their majesties in person was a reminder these aren’t fictional characters we watch on television; they are real people who live a lifestyle none of us could ever imagine. 

A lot of work goes into covering a royal tour. After applying for accreditation, there were various media briefings, and so many pages of protocol and itineraries to read. Everything is marked down to the second. For journalists, this means knowing where to stand to capture what angles, and having a deep understanding of the unfolding program. 

The days are also long. I was at Lansdowne Park on Monday at noon for a security sweep and to secure a spot on the media riser. Then, by 3:00 pm, we were whisked away onto a media bus to cover a tree planting at Rideau Hall. Unfortunately for myself and members of the United Kingdom press pool with whom I was commuting, we missed it after being held up at security. But we were able to see the King and Queen later meet with members of the public. 

Tuesday started early. We had to arrive at the Senate by 8:30 am to be swept by the dogs, and then it was onto a packed media bleacher in the hot sun for two hours. We were unable to move from our position, and the first two levels had to be cleared over concerns of a reporter potentially getting stabbed with a bayonet if the Royal Canadian Regiment’s 100-person Guard of Honour passed out from the heat. Luckily, that didn’t happen. We then ran over to the National War Memorial where the King and Queen laid wreaths, and then it was over. 

But it was all totally worth it. 

Let’s get to today’s top stories. 

— Charlie Senack, Ottawa Lookout managing editor, [email protected], X: @Charlie_Senack

If you find this newsletter valuable, please consider forwarding it to your friends. New to the Lookout? Sign up for free.

WEATHER

Wednesday: 0 🌡️ -2 | ❄️ 

Thursday: 17 🌡️ 1 | 🌧️ 

Friday: 11 🌡️ -1 | 🌤️

THE LOOKOUT RECOMMENDS

Terrific Thai: Our food editor Ralf says this has quickly become one of the best, if not the best, Thai spots in the city. Khao Street Food, at 205 Richmond Rd., is a new restaurant in Westboro that has some unique dishes. (Members-only story)

Beer and spirits: Want a good drink to pair with your next order of Thai food? Ripe, a Yuzu Light Lager, is recommended by Ralf and comes from the newly rebranded brewery Pistols Brewery, formerly Evergreen Craft Ales. Next door is a wonderful distillery Stratford Fox Run. (Members-only story)

Mmmmm market: The Ottawa Asian Fest Night Market is on Friday and Saturday. Night markets are a blast, with tons of delicious food. You can catch a shuttle bus to Tanger Outlets from Tealive on Dalhousie, and the event goes from 12 pm-11 pm.

ROYAL TOUR

A wrap up of King Charles and Queen Camilla’s two-day trip to Ottawa

The late Queen Elizabeth ll had a famous saying, “I need to be seen to be believed.” That is a page King Charles and Queen Camilla borrowed while touring around Ottawa on Monday and Tuesday. 

While the trip was a short one, lasting only 24 hours, the schedule was jam-packed. Its aim was to show the importance of Canadian sovereignty and pride at a time of heightened tensions with the United States. 

The Royal couple arrived at the Ottawa Airport around 1:15 pm where they were met by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Governor General Mary Simon, and their spouses. 

A chance to mingle: The pleasantries didn’t last long because the King and Queen were quickly whisked off to Lansdowne Park, where they were greeted by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, who said the couple asked many questions and were interested in Ottawa. They then had the chance to meet with local vendors from the farmers market and shake hands with the public. 

Florist Kate Punnett was one of the lucky ones to catch a glimpse of the Royals. She brought a bouquet of flowers to give to the Queen.  

• “I’m hoping to create core memories for my kids,” Punnett told Capital Current. “I think the passage of time is made through tradition and spending time together with other people, and I know that this will be a memorable day – being so close to the King and Queen.”

For the vendors, they were happy to see the King and Queen so engaged. 

• “He’s quite charming,” Alex Proulx of Purebread told the Ottawa Citizen. “I was surprised when he reached out his hand to shake each of our hands. Same with Her Majesty Camilla.”

Recognizing culture and sport: Celebrations kicked off with dancers from Mādahòkì Farm, Upasana the Spirit of Dance, and Ballet Folklórico Aztlán. After meeting with vendors, it was time for a ceremonial puck drop. 

In the ball hockey boards, there were students from the African Hockey Association and the Association de Hockey Féminin Vallée de Gatineau. Both competing teams were coached by some well-known local athletes: Former Ottawa Senators defenceman Chris Phillips supported the students on one side, and Olympic soccer gold medalist Desiree Scott on the other. 

Phillips said that there is no other country where the sport of hockey could bring the opportunity to meet their majesties. He had passionate words of encouragement to give the young sports players and elementary school students sitting nearby.  

• “I just want to say dream big. You never know when you really might achieve your goal,” said the former Ottawa Senator who was drafted in 1996. “The  game of hockey and really all sports brings opportunities. Learning the skills of communication, dedication to your sport, to your teammates, learning how to win, learning how to lose.”

The Royals then went inside the Horticulture Building to meet members of the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum/Central Experimental Farm, Operation Come Home and the First Peoples Innovation Centre, among others. 

To end the afternoon of public engagements, King Charles and Queen Camilla travelled to Rideau Hall — their official home in Canada — for a ceremonial tree planting. Thousands lined the grounds to catch a glimpse before the couple went inside for meetings, including an audience with Prime Minister Carney. Governor General Simon was reportedly heard saying, “welcome home.” 

Speech from the Throne 

The defining moment: The item on the itinerary everyone was anxiously awaiting was for King Charles to deliver his speech to the throne inside Senate Chambers. 

He arrived in Canada’s State Landau, which was surrounded by a team of horses from the RCMP Musical Ride. It was the first time the carriage was used by the RCMP, and it has a very interesting backstory. 

The landau was built in the 1800s but was discovered in a dilapidated state in St. Isidore, Que. There, it was restored by a man who donated it to the RCMP. 

• “It’s actually miraculous that this gentleman was able to get it to what it is now. He wanted the carriage to continue to have a story, a life to it,” RCMP riding master Sgt. Maj. Scott Williamson told CTV. 

Outside the Senate, King Charles received full military honours. That included 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.

Unity over division: There were no major surprises to come out of the throne speech, but King Charles spoke of trade, improving affordability, the environment, and, of course, the United States. 

• “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,” the King said.

He then went on to talk about how Canada and the U.S. “have begun defining a new economic and security relationship” that will bring “transformational benefits for both sovereign nations.”

The King also spoke about enhanced border security efforts Canada has implemented after pressure from our neighbours to the south. The government intends to hire 1,000 more RCMP personnel, change firearms licensing, and will revoke weapons licences for those convicted of intimate partner violence and those subject to protection orders. 

The banger: And he ended with what could be seen as a jab to President Trump, “As the anthem reminds us: The true north is indeed strong and free,” said King Charles. 

• The Ottawa Citizen wrote this comprehensive article discussing what the Indigenous community thought of the throne speech. 

Remembering the fallen: The Royal tour concluded with a trip to the National War Memorial, where the King and Queen laid a wreath. A bugler played “the last post” and there was a moment of silence. 

A powerful connection: Olivia Vernelli of Petawawa served as the Queen’s flower girl at the ceremony. The 16-year-old represented Silver Cross families across Canada. Her father, Cpl. Scott Vernelli, was killed in Afghanistan in 2009. Olivia was just six-months-old. With her at the service was a small teddy bear with a ribbon, which was found intact by comrades after her father’s death. 

• “When I saw Their Majesties coming closer to Olivia, I took a deep breath and thought, this is for us,” Olivia’s mother Marcie Lane told CTV. “This is for strong military families because we go through so much adversity, but we’re stronger together. I was just so proud and I felt her dad with us today. She couldn’t have done a better job.”

A fun fact: The war memorial was unveiled by Charles's grandfather, King George VI, during a visit to Ottawa with his wife, Queen Elizabeth, in 1939. It was during that trip that the Royals had one of their first walkabouts. It was symbolic because World War lol was on the verge of starting. 

Thank you for reading. Share this week’s story at this link, and tell your friends to sign up here.

THE OTTAWA NUMBER

$1.5 million

📸 The deficit in the Traffic Services department through the first three months of the year due to lower revenue coming from photo radar cameras. The good news: It means drivers are speeding less. [CTV]

THE AGENDA

🏠 Students in Ottawa are sounding the alarm over how difficult it is to find affordable housing in the city. The University of Ottawa Student Union (UOSU) and its housing committee surveyed more than 600 students and drew conclusions from 410 responses to compile its student housing caucus report. The findings were presented at a housing and planning committee last week. [CBC]

❄️ Ottawa Lookout readers know my disdain of snow, but there are now even more reasons to dislike it: it costs a lot of money. A report for the finance and corporate services committee shows the city posted a $14 million deficit in the January to March period. Staff say the deficit was “mainly driven” by the above-average winter snowfall, resulting in a $24.9 million deficit in the winter operations budget. [CTV]

🍷 Good news, drinkers: Alcoholic beverages will most likely be allowed in select Ottawa parks this summer. Councillors in each ward will work in consultation with the Public Works general manager and their communities to identify eligible parks and decide whether to designate them or not. If passed by council, public drinking could be allowed from July 1 to Oct. 31. [CTV]

📢 If a “bubble bylaw” plan is passed at City Hall today, staff say an upcoming review of the 2016 bylaw that legalized ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft would need to be delayed to the next term of council. Ryan Perrault, general manager of Emergency and Protective Services, said such a delay would not cause any problems. [CTV]

🚲 Ottawa cyclist Derick Gee is having success at the Giro d'Italia cycling race. The Manotick native is riding for the Israel-Premier Tech team, and has improved since Stage 12. He placed fifth on Tuesday to move to fourth in the overall standings in his second Giro d'Italia. It comes after a breakthrough 2023 performance when Gee was second four times and fourth twice. [CBC]

🖼️ The man who stole the famed portrait of Sir Winston Churchill from the Chateau Laurier lobby between Christmas 2021 and early January 2022 is going to jail. Jeffrey Wood pleaded guilty to forgery, theft over $5,000 and trafficking property obtained by crime. Three additional charges were withdrawn. He was sentenced to two years less a day in custody. [CBC]

👮‍♂️ Ottawa Police are investigating a murder suicide which occurred in Barrhaven. The bodies of two seniors were found in a Pheasant Run Drive home at about 1 a.m. Tuesday morning. The deceased have been identified as Virginia Theoret, 82, and Kurt Theoret, 84.  Police say the man killed his wife with a gun before turning it on himself. [Ottawa Citizen]

HOME OF THE WEEK

A dream home in the heart of one of Ottawa’s most sought-after neighbourhoods? Yes, it is possible. This two-story home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,500 square feet of living space. The kitchen is perfect if you love to host friends.

The backyard even has a little shed, and if you’re a handy person, then the yard may be just what you’re looking for. 

All this can be yours for under $1 million…

OTTAWA ARTS GUIDE

Performance

Ottawa Little Theatre is hosting 37 Postcards, a quirky comedy about a man returning home with his fiancée to find his home unrecognizable. From June 11-28 with evening and matinees.

The Ottawa School of Ukrainian Dance has an end-of-season performance for all ages, showcasing their cultural dance and music. From May 30-31.

Art

Those looking for photography should visit the Ontario Art Gallery’s At a Glance, a show exploring the diverse array of mediums and techniques used by an array of photographers. On now until June 22.

The contemporary art gallery Wall Space Gallery is showcasing two artists who utilize painting and “Sloppy Craft,” which is text-based printmaking textiles, focused on trauma and healing. It starts on June 14 and goes until June 28.

Music

Celtic duo sheila&lucile are playing at Red Bird on 28 May. The flute and harp duo opens a new window to the traditions of Celtic music, old and new.  Tickets $20. 

Laylit comes to Club SAW on 30 May.  The unique dance party celebrates music and artists from the Arab/SWANA region and its diaspora through boundary-pushing electronic music.  Tickets from $20. 

Check out Fever Pitch Hot Jazz at the Art House Cafe on 30 May. Their monthly jazz show combines the spirit of ragtime, the magic of the blues, and the energy of a brass band. Tickets $15. 

Alt-rock band Softcult play the 27 Club on 31 May.  The June award-winning Canadian duo blend grunge, shoegaze, and dream pop with a punk ethos into their ‘riotgaze’ shows. Tickets $20. 

Retro synthpop band The Retrospects are at House of Targ on May 31. A modern twist on classic synthpop, their music is fun and nostalgic built on sharp hooks and simple lyrics.  Pay What You Can. 

Listings for music shows are provided by Ottawa Gigs, the best place to discover live music in Ottawa. Check out Ottawagigs.ca for full listings across the city. 

COMMENT CORNER

The bubble bylaw

Changes to bus routes

The Tulip Festival costs

OTTAWA GUESSER

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• This is a real feel-good story about how The Ottawa Hospital built a real-time link to Iqaluit so the community has access to intensive care specialists. [Ottawa Citizen]

• Congrats to Ottawa Charge’s Gwyneth Philips, who won the PWHL’s Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP. While the Charge lost, she still managed to win the award. [Sportsnet]

• Looking to play some board games with other people? Level One Game Pub hosts a meetup every Thursday!

• Want to have your announcement featured? Learn how here.

IMAGE OF THE DAY

The Royal Canadian Regiment’s 100 person Honour Guard after an inspection by King Charles.

LATEST STORIES