Monarch welcomes Senate leaders and bestows ceremonial honour
King Charles III extended a warm welcome to distinguished Canadian officials at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, marking a significant ceremonial occasion.
The royal family shared striking images from the event on their official social media, highlighting the King’s meeting with Gregory Peters, Usher of the Black Rod of the Senate of Canada, and Senate Speaker Raymonde Gagné.
In an official statement, Buckingham Palace confirmed: “At Buckingham Palace, The King has received the Usher of the Black Rod of the Senate of Canada and bestowed upon him a new ceremonial sword.”
The Usher of the Black Rod, a role dating back nearly 600 years, serves as a senior protocol officer in the Canadian Parliament, overseeing both ceremonial and administrative responsibilities. Gregory Peters is the 17th person to hold the position since Canada’s Confederation.
The meeting, attended by Speaker Gagné, comes at a time of ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the US, underscoring the diplomatic ties between the Commonwealth nations.
