During the address in the Senate chamber, King Charles focused on Canada’s independence and strength, as he stated, “The true north is indeed strong and free.”

Charles, who also held private meetings with Carney and Governor General Mary Simon, serves as Canada’s head of state, as he does for 14 other commonwealth realms. The visit comes at a time when U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is pursuing closer ties with the Trump administration on trade and international issues, including Ukraine.

While the ceremonial aspects of the visit drew attention, the event reinforced Canada’s current position on the world stage and the role of the monarchy in reinforcing that status.

Fashion-wise, Trudeau’s sneakers were at least en vogue, literally. British Vogue recently dubbed the Adidas Gazelle a perennial fashion staple, noting its ’70s-inspired silhouette and quiet-cool profile. 

In an April 2024 article titled “Why Our Obsession With Adidas Gazelles Shows No Sign of Fading,” Joy Montgomery called the shoe a “fashion trainer” with timeless appeal, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to royal protocol.

One onlooker quipped, “Justin Trudeau’s shoes, today, at Parliament! Also in Parliament today – King Charles,” tweeted @margareta_matis. 

Emily Ferguson chimed in with a glancing blow: “Retirement runners perhaps..?” 

As if the message was unclear, Dimitris Soudas, former communications chief to Stephen Harper, delivered his verdict with silence: “I don’t know what to say.”

In a room filled with governors general, premiers, Indigenous leaders, and military honors, Trudeau’s Adidas suede also made its presence known.

King Charles opened the speech with a land acknowledgment and moved swiftly to emphasize Canada’s “unique identity” and “enduring sovereignty,” subtle echoes of Prime Minister Carney’s recent message to Trump. 

Charles’s address, written mostly by the Canadian government but peppered with his own flourishes, pointed to ambitious economic goals.

“Every time I come to Canada … a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream, and from there straight to my heart,” he said.

To quote a different king, “Well, you can do anything, but stay off of my blue suede shoes.”

Fox News’ Landon Mion contributed to this report.