Royal Family Shares Rare Photo of Queen Elizabeth Ahead of King Charles’s Historic Moment

2025 is already shaping up to be a year full of historic moments for the royal family. From Duchess Sophie stepping out at the Sovereign’s Parade to King Charles and Queen Camilla visiting the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre, the royal calendar has been packed with memorable moments. But this latest milestone? It’s one for the history books.

This week, King Charles and Queen Camilla made an official visit to Ottawa, Canada’s capital, to formally open the country’s 45th Parliament. Ahead of the ceremony, the royal family's official Instagram shared a touching throwback photo of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip during their own Canadian parliamentary visit back in 1957.

In the photo, the late Queen and her husband are seen seated regally on thrones, dressed in full royal attire.

While the image is undeniably nostalgic, it carries real significance. King Charles’s appearance at the Senate in Ottawa on May 27 marks the first time a reigning monarch has opened Canada’s Parliament since his mother did nearly 70 years ago. It's also a big deal, considering it marks King Charles’s first Canadian visit as Sovereign.

A short video clip shared to social media captured Charles and Camilla en route to the event, riding in a horse-drawn carriage. The caption read, “The King and Queen are on their way in the State Landau to officially open Parliament at the Senate in Ottawa, Canada.”

King Charles and Queen Camilla touched down on May 26 for their quick two-day visit to Canada. On Monday, they were greeted by dignitaries and cheered on by local school groups from Ontario and Quebec.

Later, they joined a community gathering at Lansdowne Park where they met with Canadians, supported local vendors and artisans, enjoyed cultural performances—and even caught a glimpse of a youth street hockey game.