King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in Ottawa on Monday for a two-day state visit aimed at reaffirming Canada’s sovereignty and constitutional ties to the Crown.

They were welcomed by Prime Minister Mark Carney, Governor General Mary Simon, and Indigenous leaders. The tour involves public appearances and a ceremonial tree planting at Rideau Hall, according to BBC.

On Tuesday, the King will deliver the Speech from the Throne in Parliament, the first by a reigning monarch in Canada since 1977, outlining the priorities of the new government.

The visit comes amid tensions with the United States, where President Donald Trump has suggested Canada would benefit from becoming the 51st US state. Prime Minister Carney has strongly rejected the claim, BBC reported.

The royal presence is seen as a symbolic reaffirmation of Canada’s independence and its constitutional monarchy.