THE CROWN IN CANADA
The Crown
Canada is a constitutional monarchy. The Crown in Canada was first established by the Kings of France in the 16th century, as a province of the Kingdom of France. Kings and Queens of France and England have reigned over Canada since 1534. Under the reign of Canada's sovereigns, the country evolved from a French colony into an independent nation.
Canada's Head of State
In today's constitutional monarchy, His Majesty King Charles III is the King of Canada and Canada's Head of State. He embodies the Crown in Canada. Within the system of government, the Crown holds the power to govern but entrusts it to the government, which exercises it on behalf of and for the benefit of the people.
The Governor General and the Lieutenant Governors
The Governor General and the ten Lieutenant Governors represent the Crown in Canada and act on behalf of the King. The role and responsibilities of the Governor General consist of carrying out several functions on the King's behalf.
The Parliament of Canada
The Parliament of Canada is composed of the King, the Senate, and the House of Commons. In the provinces, the legislatures are composed of the Lieutenant Governor and the elected assembly.
- Source: Government of Canada
The Canadian Royal Family
His Majesty, King Charles III
King of Canada, the United Kingdom, and 13 other Commonwealth realms. The King is Honorary Colonel-in-Chief of seven Canadian military regiments, and serves as patron or president of more than 400 charitable organizations around the world, including The Prince's Foundation in Canada.
November 14, 1948 (76 years old)
Her Majesty, Queen Camilla
Queen Consort of Canada, the United Kingdom, and 13 other Commonwealth realms. The Queen has a family connection to Canada dating back to the 19th century. Today, the Queen also serves as Colonel-in-Chief of The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada.
July 17, 1947 (74 years old)
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales (William)
The Prince of Wales is first in the line of succession to the Throne of Canada, the United Kingdom, and the 13 other Commonwealth realms.
June 21, 1982 (42 years old)
Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales (Catherine)
The Princess of Wales, born "Kate," became world-famous for her dedication to various charitable causes and her sense of style.
January 9, 1982 (43 years old)
The Monarch
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 uninterrupted reign of monarchs, both French and British, who have had a profound influence on our country's development. As a constitutional monarch, the King no longer "reigns" over the country, but he remains part of our system of government and our identity as Canada's Head of State.
Queen Elizabeth II was the first of Canada's sovereigns to be distinctly proclaimed Queen of Canada; in 1953, the Royal Style and Titles Act officially conferred upon Elizabeth II the title of "Queen of Canada." On September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle. His Majesty King Charles III succeeded her.
As the living embodiment of the Crown, the King unites Canadians, inspires a collective sense of belonging to our country, and strengthens our national identity and pride. New Canadians, members of the federal Parliament, provincial and territorial legislatures, military personnel, and police officers all swear an oath of allegiance to the King.
A GLOBAL QUEEN
70 Years of Devotion
Continuing to amaze us after all these years of faithful service to humanity, our country, our constitution, our Armed Forces, and Canadians, Queen Elizabeth II kept leading by example.
Indeed, after safeguarding democracy under 15 British prime ministers, 16 Australian prime ministers, 18 New Zealand prime ministers, and 13 Canadian prime ministers; after contributing to the Second World War effort and meeting the planners of the D-Day landings; after meeting the Kennedy family and building diplomatic relationships with nearly all their successors, as well as the leaders of 117 other countries; Queen Elizabeth II continued to honour her oath for more than 25,782 days.
70 Years of Service
Not long ago, the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne resonated around the world. Throughout her reign, the Queen championed public and volunteer service everywhere.
Until very recently, she was patron of more than 600 charities and organizations, including 36 in Canada, such as the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Nurses Association. She passed on this sense of service to all members of the Royal Family.
