King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to embark on a significant two-day visit to Canada this week. During this trip, they will attend the state opening of Parliament, where King Charles will deliver the speech outlining the government’s legislative agenda—a role he undertakes as Canada’s head of state. Notably, Charles will be only the second monarch, after Queen Elizabeth II, to perform this important parliamentary duty in Canada.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson shared, “The King and Queen are very much looking forward to the programme, mindful that it is a short visit but hopefully an impactful one.”
Behind the scenes, former royal butler Grant Harrold, who served King Charles from 2004 to 2011, provides insight into the meticulous planning involved in royal tours. He explained, “Months of detailed preparation go into these trips. The royal office handles the planning, while butlers and valets oversee the day-to-day essentials. For instance, King Charles has specific dietary preferences, and certain meals are carefully sourced when traveling abroad.”
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Harrold described the comprehensive support system: “Valets manage all packing—from day suits to military uniforms, medals, and sometimes swords depending on the destination. Butlers attend to personal correspondence, and a dedicated security team ensures safety. The complexity explains why these visits take months to organize.”
Despite the luxury and efficiency of royal travel, Grant Harrold revealed the one aspect Queen Camilla dislikes: flying. “The Royals bypass normal airport security, enjoy VIP lounges, and board their private jets without the usual hassles. In-flight menus offer bespoke meals, and the travel experience is very comfortable. However,” Harrold noted, “the jets are relatively small and tend to be quite susceptible to turbulence.”
“Camilla is definitely not a fan of flying,” he continued. “It’s not the heights that trouble her, but the turbulence. Though flying has never been her favorite mode of transport, she manages her discomfort and remains composed during necessary travel.”
As King Charles and Queen Camilla prepare for their impactful visit to Canada, this glimpse behind the scenes highlights both the grandeur of royal engagements and the personal challenges they face along the way.