Former prime minister Jean Chrétien recovering after stent insertion: source

Jean Chrétien missed King Charles delivering the speech from the throne Tuesday morning because he is recovering after having a heart stent inserted, according to a source close to the former prime minister.

The source said the 91-year-old — normally a gregarious presence at events like this — is expected to recover.

"Mr. Chrétien is recovering well and is expected to return home very soon to pursue his normal activities," they told CBC News.

The source said Chrétien wasn't feeling well earlier this week so he went to the hospital for tests and had a stent inserted Tuesday.

Former prime ministers Justin Trudeau, Stephen Harper and Kim Campbell sat together in the Senate to take in the historic moment alongside Mila Mulroney, widow to former prime minister Brian Mulroney, and Margaret Trudeau, ex-wife of Pierre Elliott Trudeau.

Earlier this month, Chrétien attended the swearing-in ceremony for Prime Minister Mark Carney's new cabinet. He also spoke at length during the March Liberal leadership convention.