Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has praised the “historic ties” between his nation and Britain “that crises only fortify” as the King and Queen were welcomed to Ottawa.

The royal couple experienced all aspects of Canadian life on Monday (local time), from street hockey to a greeting from indigenous people, as they began a two-day visit seen as a show of support for the country in the face of challenges from US President Donald Trump.

Carney was by the couple’s side for part of their first day in the Canadian capital. He described the role the King will play at the state opening of the Canadian Parliament on Tuesday as an “historic honour” that “matches the weight of our times”.

Canada has faced the unwanted attention of Trump, who has launched a trade war against his neighbour and repeatedly threatened to annex the country as America’s 51st state.

In a statement released ahead of the King and Queen’s arrival, Carney said the royal visit was “a reminder of the bond between Canada and the Crown – one forged over generations, shaped by shared histories, and grounded in common values”.

On Tuesday, the King will deliver the Speech from the Throne in the Senate Chamber, nearly 70 years after Canada’s Sovereign first opened parliament.

“This historic honour matches the weight of our times. It speaks to our enduring tradition and friendship, to the vitality of our constitutional monarchy and our distinct identity, and to the historic ties that crises only fortify,” Carney said.

-AAP