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The King's decision to open parliament - a role traditionally left to the governor general, who is the monarch's top representative in Canada - is seen as a symbolic show of support for the commonwealth country.

Tuesday's address would traditionally be given by the governor general, who is the monarch's top representative in Canada.

The King and Queen later partook in a tree planting ceremony at Rideau Hall, the official residence of Canada's governor general.

The British monarch is still formally the head of state, but their duties are often carried out by their Canadian representative, called the governor general.

Mel Cappe, a former Canadian minister and senior civil servant, has been involved in preparing such speeches from the throne, usually delivered by a governor general.