Justin Trudeau under fire for wearing 'disrespectful' shoes in front of King Charles
The king gave the throne speech on Tuesday at the opening of Canada's parliament
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing backlash after wearing a pair of Adidas Gazelles to the State Opening of Canadian Parliament, an event attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla during their brief visit to Canada.
Trudeau’s unexpected choice of footwear has sparked debate over whether the ex-leader’s casual look was a harmless fashion statement or a “disrespectful” gesture in front of the king.
Justin Trudeau criticised for ‘disrespectful’ shoes in front of King Charles
The controversy erupted after royal editor Emily Ferguson, reporting live from the event, shared a snap of Trudeau’s outfit on X (formerly Twitter).
“Former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau is wearing some interesting footwear for today’s opening of Parliament,” she wrote. “Retirement runners, perhaps? He’ll be seated in the front row close to where the king and queen will be sitting.”
It wasn’t long before social media exploded with reactions.
“Continuing to embarrass Canada!” one user fumed, while another wrote: “Looks a little disrespectful. Too little, too late, Justin.”
Some were less outraged. One user wrote: “Justin Trudeau’s shoes, today, at Parliament!!” followed by three heart emojis.
But others were less forgiving, calling him “a clown” and mocking his casual appearance.
“Trudeau felt it was appropriate to wear those shoes to the throne speech? Really?” A royal fan sneered.
“Today at the throne speech of #Canada’s King Charles III, former PM Justin Trudeau proved he was still a clod who doesn’t get it,” another vented.
One commentator wrote: “Get ready because the right is about to lose their ever-loving mind. Justin Trudeau is not only at the throne speech but wearing the most interesting footwear you wouldn’t expect him to wear… I’m just going to sit back and watch with some popcorn.”
King Charles gives the throne speech
The king’s speech itself was a historic moment. It marked the first time a British monarch has addressed the opening of Canada’s Parliament since Queen Elizabeth II in 1977.
The speech was read out by the king, Canada’s head of state, but written by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government.
It detailed the challenges facing the nation, including growing economic pressures.
“Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them,” the king said. “Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away. And that by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians.”
While Trudeau’s casual Adidas sneakers raised eyebrows, other dignitaries at the event chose more formal, symbolic attire.
Queen Camilla wore an elegant all-navy outfit with a Canadian Rifles brooch. The brooch was a subtle nod to her role as colonel-in-chief of the regiment.
King Charles and Queen Camilla leave Canada
King Charles and Queen Camilla’s visit to Canada, their first since the coronation more than two years ago, lasted only 48 hours.
Following the visit, the royal couple issued a statement.
“As my wife and I leave Canada, we wanted to send our most heartfelt thanks to all those who turned out to offer their support on this, my first visit as sovereign,” King Charles wrote. “It was the warmest of welcomes, and the fondest of returns to a land and a people we love. Until the next time, au revoir, Canada, et avec tous nos remerciements [with all our thanks].”
Read more: What languages does King Charles speak after showing off his French, German and Italian skills?
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