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The monarchy of Canada is Canada's form of government embodied by the Canadian sovereign and head of state. It is one of the key components of Canadian sovereignty and sits at the core of Canada's constitutional federal structure and Westminster-style parliamentary democracy.
- Overview
- The King's Role
The King, then Prince of Wales, gives a speech at the Ceremonial Circle in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories on May 19, 2022.
Canada is a constitutional monarchy. Since 1534, when the King of France claimed possession of what is now Canada, the history of our country has been marked by the reigns of an uninterrupted succession of monarchs, both French and British, who have had a significant influence on our country's development.
was the first of Canada's sovereigns to be proclaimed separately as Queen of Canada in 1953, when a Canadian law, the Royal Style and Titles Act, formally conferred upon her the title of "Queen of Canada". The proclamation reaffirmed the monarch’s role in Canada as independent of the monarch’s role in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms.
As a constitutional monarch, His Majesty King Charles III doesn't "rule" the country. However, as Canada's Head of State, he remains a fundamental part of Canada's system of government and our sense of identity.
As the living embodiment of the Crown, His Majesty's role is to unite Canadians and give a collective sense of belonging to our country.
In his declaration to the Accession Council on September 10, 2022, His Majesty King Charles III stated:
I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty which have now passed to me. In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of […] the Commonwealth realms and territories throughout the world.
New Canadians swear allegiance to The King, so as Members of Parliament and the Legislatures, military and police officers.
The Monarchy in Canada. Many foreigners, and even some Canadians, are surprised to learn that Canada is a monarchy, which means the country’s political system is headed by a king or queen. Canada’s monarchy system is a bit more complicated and unusual than most others, however.
Oct 31, 2019 · Last Edited October 12, 2022. Constitutional monarchy is Canada’s system of government. An absolute monarchy is one where the monarch has unchecked power. A constitutional monarch, in contrast, is limited by the laws of the Constitution. Constitutional monarchs do not directly rule.
The Monarchy in Canada. The positions of Head of State and Head of Government are held by separate people. The Prime Minister is the Head of Government, and the Monarch – currently His Majesty King Charles III – is the Head of State. The Monarch’s powers and responsibilities are established and limited by the Canadian Constitution and ...
The governor general and lieutenant governors. The governor general and the 10 lieutenant governors represent the Crown in Canada and act on the Monarch’s behalf. The governor general’s role and responsibilities consist mainly in carrying out many of the duties on behalf of The King.
Monarchy and the Crown. Canada is a constitutional monarchy. Discover how the Crown in Canada has evolved and remains an essential and relevant component of our identity, contributing to a sense of stability for Canadians. Services and information. The Crown in Canada.