The former Canadian Prime Minister chose a distinctive outfit to welcome royalty, making a statement as he greeted dignitaries.

At Tuesday’s ceremonial event in Ottawa, Trudeau drew attention with his footwear. Instead of traditional dress shoes, he sported turquoise and orange Adidas Gazelle sneakers at the Speech from the Throne.

This footwear choice might be suitable for less formal occasions but seemed out of place in the Senate, particularly with royalty present.

While Trudeau’s shoes garnered attention, King Charles III and Queen Camilla were in Canada for a significant two-day visit, the King’s first since his ascension in 2022.

King Charles, 76, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment and has limited his public appearances, traveled to Ottawa in a move seen as a show of support for Canada amid recent tensions.

The visit occurred following remarks suggesting Canada could become the 51st U.S. state, which Canadian leaders have publicly refuted.

Prime Minister Mark Carney invited King Charles to open Canada’s 45th session of Parliament, making him the first monarch to do so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1977. Carney has previously affirmed Canada’s independence, a sentiment echoed by Ralph Goodale, Canada’s envoy to the U.K., who noted the King’s visit “reinforces the power and the strength of that message.”

During his speech in the Senate, King Charles emphasized Canada’s independence and resilience, stating, “The true north is indeed strong and free.”

Charles, who also had private meetings with Carney and Governor General Mary Simon, is Canada’s head of state, a role he holds in 14 other Commonwealth countries. The visit takes place as U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks stronger ties with the Trump administration on issues such as trade and Ukraine.

While the ceremonial aspects of the visit were noted, the event highlighted Canada’s current international standing and the monarchy’s role in upholding it.

From a fashion perspective, Trudeau’s Adidas Gazelles are considered stylish. describes the Adidas Gazelle as a timeless fashion choice, highlighting its retro silhouette and understated appeal.

Joy Montgomery’s April 2024 article, “Why Our Obsession With Adidas Gazelles Shows No Sign of Fading,” calls the shoe a “fashion trainer” with lasting appeal, though its appropriateness for royal events is debatable.

One observer humorously noted, “Justin Trudeau’s shoes, today, at Parliament! Also in Parliament today – King Charles,” as tweeted by @margareta_matis.

Emily Ferguson commented with a subtle jab: “Retirement runners perhaps..?”

Dimitris Soudas, former communications chief to Stephen Harper, simply stated, “I don’t know what to say,” offering a silent critique.

In a setting filled with governors general, premiers, Indigenous leaders, and military personnel, Trudeau’s Adidas sneakers were hard to miss.

King Charles began his speech with a land acknowledgment and quickly emphasized Canada’s “unique identity” and “enduring sovereignty,” subtly reinforcing Prime Minister Carney’s message to .

Charles’s address, primarily written by the Canadian government with his own personal touches, outlined 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.

Trudeau was seated next to his former political rival, Harper, and the two were seen in lively conversation, though the topic remains unknown.

To paraphrase another king, “Well, you can do anything, but stay off of my blue suede shoes.”

‘ Landon Mion contributed to this report.

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