The Crown in Canada
An institution at the heart of Canada's history, Constitution and identity.
An institution woven into Canada's history
Canada is a constitutional monarchy. The Crown in Canada was first established by the kings of France in the 16th century, when Canada formed part of the Kingdom of France. Kings and queens of France and Britain have reigned over Canada since 1534. Under Canada's sovereigns, the country evolved from a French colony into an independent nation. Today, the Crown remains at the heart of our democratic institutions: it is a source of lawful authority, a symbol of historical continuity and a unifying institution for Canadians regardless of origin, language or region.
The Historical Evolution of the Crown in Canada
A Crown distinct from the British monarchy
Although the same Sovereign reigns simultaneously over Canada, the United Kingdom and several other Commonwealth realms, the Canadian Crown is legally distinct from the British Crown. The King of Canada acts solely on the advice of his Canadian ministers and within the framework of the Canadian Constitution, independently of his role in the United Kingdom.
Canada's Head of State
In today's constitutional monarchy, His Majesty King Charles III is King of Canada and Canada's Head of State. He is the embodiment of the Crown in Canada. Within our system of government, authority is vested in the Crown, while elected governments exercise that authority in the name and for the benefit of the people.
A Constitutional, Symbolic and Unifying Role
Constitutional
The Crown ensures the continuity of the State, grants Royal Assent to legislation, summons and dissolves Parliament, and contributes to the proper functioning of parliamentary government.
Symbolic
It embodies values of service, stability and continuity that transcend governments and partisan allegiance.
Unifying
It unites Canadians around shared institutions and remains present in the oaths taken by new citizens, parliamentarians, members of the military and police officers.
A Monarchy That Has Evolved With Canadian Identity
Far from being static, the Canadian monarchy has continually adapted to the country's evolving identity. It has embraced official bilingualism, recognized Canada's cultural and Indigenous diversity, and strengthened its connection with citizens through an active presence in communities, the Canadian Armed Forces and charitable organizations.
The Crown in Our System of Government
The King of Canada
His Majesty King Charles III is Canada's Sovereign and Head of State.
The Governor General
The Governor General represents the Crown at the federal level and performs many functions on behalf of the King.
The Lieutenant Governors
The ten Lieutenant Governors represent the Crown in each of the provinces.
The Parliament of Canada
The Parliament of Canada consists of the King, the Senate and the House of Commons.
The Sovereign and Principal Members of the Royal Family
Sa Majesté le Roi Charles III
Her Majesty Queen Camilla
H.R.H. The Prince of Wales
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H.R.H. The Princess of Wales
The Children of the Prince and Princess of Wales
H.R.H. Prince George of Wales
H.R.H. Princess Charlotte of Wales
H.R.H. Prince Louis of Wales
His Majesty King Charles III, King of Canada
Canada is a constitutional monarchy. Since 1534, when the King of France claimed what is now Canada, our country's history has been marked by the successive reigns of French and British monarchs who profoundly influenced its development.
Queen Elizabeth II was the first Sovereign of Canada to be distinctly proclaimed Queen of Canada; in 1953, the Royal Style and Titles Act formally conferred upon her the title “Queen of Canada.” On 8 September 2022, she died peacefully at Balmoral Castle. His Majesty King Charles III succeeded her.
As the living embodiment of the Crown, the King unites Canadians, inspires a shared sense of belonging to our country and strengthens our national identity. New Canadians, Members of Parliament, military personnel and police officers swear an oath of allegiance to the King.
70 Years of Devotion
For more than seven decades, Queen Elizabeth II embodied service, continuity and duty. Her reign spanned profound social, political and technological change while maintaining a constant bond with Canada and its people.
The reign of Elizabeth II profoundly shaped the evolution of modern Canada. During her reign, Canada patriated its Constitution in 1982, a defining moment when the Queen herself came to Ottawa for the proclamation of the Constitution Act. She was also present for major national milestones, including the Centennial of Confederation in 1967 and the Montreal Olympic Games in 1976.
Over the course of her 22 official visits to Canada, Queen Elizabeth II developed a special relationship with Canadians, visiting every province and several territories. Her commitment to public and voluntary service made her a symbol of stability and continuity throughout her 70-year reign.
70 Years of Service
Throughout her reign, the Queen championed public and voluntary service around the world. Until late in her life, she was patron of more than 600 charities and organizations, including 36 in Canada, and she passed this sense of service on to members of the Royal Family.