History of monarchy in Canada facts for kids

The history of monarchy in Canada tells the story of how Canada has been connected to kings and queens from long ago until today. Some people say this connection started in 1534 when King Francis I claimed New France. Others believe it began in 1497 when John Cabot landed in what is now Newfoundland or Nova Scotia, claiming the land for King Henry VII.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Europeans often saw the lands of different Indigenous groups as kingdoms. The Canadian monarchy we have today can be traced back to ancient Anglo-Saxon and Scottish kings. Kings and queens who have ruled over Canada include those from France (until 1763), the United Kingdom (until 1931), and now King Charles III as the King of Canada.

Canada's first European monarchs helped explore and settle the country. After the Glorious Revolution in 1689, the power of kings and queens became limited by constitutional monarchy. This meant they had less say in how colonies were run. The Crown then became a symbol of Canada's steady government and a fair protector against anyone trying to abuse power.

Over time, French colonies in Canada became part of the British Empire through wars and treaties. In 1867, Queen Victoria united four colonies to form the Dominion of Canada. Other colonies joined later. Canada became a fully independent kingdom with the Statute of Westminster, 1931 (signed by King George V) and the Constitution Act, 1982 (signed by Elizabeth II, the Queen of Canada).

Indigenous Leadership Before European Arrival

Even though Indigenous peoples in Canada didn't have kings or queens in the European way, some groups had leaders chosen through family lines. Europeans often called these areas "kingdoms" and their leaders "kings." For example, lands along the St Lawrence River and near Montreal were seen this way.

Many Indigenous nations had chiefs. Their power varied. Some chiefs had a lot of influence, while others were more like symbolic leaders. In many cases, chiefs followed the advice of a council of elders. This was similar to a modern constitutional monarchy, where a ruler's power is limited by laws or a council.

Today, hereditary chieftainship still exists. These chiefs are not rulers of a country. They often help keep their nation's traditional customs, laws, and culture alive.

European Colonies Begin in Canada

The first French colonies in North America were started for King Henry IV. One was in Acadia (now Nova Scotia) and another at Port Royal. Around 1610, the first British settlements began in Newfoundland. This land was claimed for Queen Elizabeth I in 1583.

Later, Henry Hudson's trading trips led to the Hudson's Bay Company. This company was given land by King Charles II. This huge area, called Rupert's Land, included parts of modern Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario.

The French king also acted quickly. In 1602, Aymar de Chaste became Viceroy of Canada for King Henry IV. In 1615, Quebec City became a royal capital. Samuel de Champlain was the first representative of the King there.

About 60 years later, New France became a royal province of France. The governor general acted for the king. The king even sent young women, called filles du roi, to the province to help it grow. Cities like Louisbourg were built with royal money, and their names showed their royal connection.

As Europeans moved inland, they met Indigenous peoples. At first, relations were seen as between European and Indigenous leaders. Later, for the British, it became about European and Indigenous nations under one monarch. This led to treaties with the Crown, which are still important in Canada today.

The British king and Indigenous chiefs respected each other. For example, Queen Anne welcomed the "Four Mohawk Kings" in 1710. She even paid for a chapel for the Mohawks, which still holds silver cups she gave them. Later, King George III granted land to the Six Nations of the Grand River. This happened after they lost their lands in New York during the American Revolution.

Indigenous chiefs helped the monarchs in North American conflicts. But events in Europe also changed things. Most of the French king's lands in Canada were given to the British Crown. This meant Canada had one ruler. However, this change caused problems for French people under a British king. The Acadians, for example, refused to promise loyalty to George III and wanted to remain Catholic. This led to their forced removal, known as the Great Upheaval.

The American Revolution's Impact on Canada

After the Seven Years' War, King George III issued the Royal Proclamation of 1763. This document set the Appalachian Mountains as a border between the Thirteen Colonies and "Indian Reserve" lands. This was the first time the British Crown officially recognized aboriginal rights. Today, it's key for Indigenous land claims and self-government in Canada.

The Quebec Act was passed in 1774. It was supported by King George III. This law allowed Catholics to practice their faith freely. It also brought back French civil law for private matters. This started the tradition of Canadian law protecting language, religion, and legal rights in Quebec.

American colonists saw these acts as unfair and they helped start the American Revolution. But most Québécois (French Canadians) did not support the revolution. They fought with British soldiers against the American invaders. Some, especially farmers, did help the Americans.

The war caused about 46,000 Loyalists to flee north from the United States. The King gave each family land in his colonies, mostly in Nova Scotia, Quebec, and what is now Ontario and Manitoba. About 3,000 former African slaves, known as Black Loyalists, moved to the Maritimes. Thousands of Iroquois, Mohawks, and other Indigenous peoples also moved to southern Ontario for the Crown's protection.

So many people arrived that new colonies were created. New Brunswick was separated from Nova Scotia. Upper Canada (now Ontario) was separated from the Province of Quebec (the rest became Lower Canada, now Quebec). Today, Ontario residents descended from these Loyalists can use the letters UE (United Empire) after their names.

Royal Visits and Rebellions

Prince William (who later became King William IV) visited Canada in 1786. He was the first member of the royal family to visit Quebec. This made Canada's royal family one of the earliest to call the country home.

Four years later, William's brother, Prince Edward, served in Canada from 1791 to 1800. He was a military commander. In 1792, during a riot in Quebec, Prince Edward told the crowd, "Let me hear no more of the hateful differences of English and French. You are all His Britannic Majesty's beloved Canadian subjects." This was reportedly the first time the word Canadian was used for all colonists, not just French speakers.

Edward also lived in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He helped build important landmarks like Fort George and the Halifax Town Clock. Prince Edward Island was named in his honor.

The Americans tried to conquer Canada again in the War of 1812. They thought Canadians would welcome them as liberators from British rule. But French and English Canadians, as well as First Nations warriors, fought back. The United States gained no land in Canada when the war ended in 1814.

Prince Edward's only daughter, Victoria, was born in 1819. She became queen at 18 after her uncle, William IV, died. Victoria never visited Canada, but she met many Canadians. Her image was widely seen thanks to newspapers and photography, keeping her popular in the colonies.

However, there were still rebellions against the Crown, like the Rebellions of 1837. These were partly due to the growing influence of the United States and local political issues. Queen Victoria cared deeply about these conflicts. Most colonists did not want to break away from the Crown, and the rebellions were stopped.

After the rebellions, Victoria pardoned the rebels. She also asked her representative, the Earl of Durham, to report on the problems. Durham suggested uniting Upper and Lower Canada and giving them responsible government. The British Parliament agreed, with Victoria's support, even though it meant less political power for her and her representatives in the colonies.

First Royal Tours and Confederation

Even with less direct political power, the monarchy's role in Canada grew in other ways. Canadians celebrated major events in Queen Victoria's life, like her marriage. Royal events were created, such as the Queen's Plate horse race. Victoria's children and grandchildren visited Canada, either as the governor general or on tours. They met many Canadians and learned about local cultures.

In 1860, Queen Victoria sent her eldest son, Prince Albert Edward (later King Edward VII), to tour Canada for four months. He laid the final stone of the Victoria Bridge in Montreal and the cornerstone of the parliament building in Ottawa. He also opened Queen's Park in Toronto.

The idea of joining Canada's colonies began as early as 1814. Jonathan Sewell, a Chief Justice, sent his plan for a "federal Union of British Provinces" to Prince Edward. The Prince liked the idea.

Before confederation of Canada, in the 1850s and 1860s, a big concern was the threat of invasion from the United States. The Fathers of Confederation wanted to unite the British colonies under a constitutional monarchy. At the 1864 Charlottetown Conference, everyone agreed on this. They saw it as a balance between a powerful ruler (like Russia) and a system where the people had all the power (like the United States, which had just had a civil war). They believed a Canadian Crown would help keep Canada diverse and peaceful.

Queen Victoria herself supported Confederation. She thought it would lower defense costs and improve relations with the United States. She told delegates from Nova Scotia, "I take the deepest interest in [Confederation], for I believe it will make [the provinces] great and prosperous." When the British North America Act, 1867, was passed, Victoria told John A. Macdonald, "I am very glad to see you on this mission... It is a very important measure." Because she played such a key role, she is called the "Mother of Confederation."

The new country's name and capital city were still undecided. Some suggested "Victorialand" for the Queen. But "Kingdom of Canada" was supported to show its royal basis. However, London worried this name would upset the United States. So, the term dominion was chosen instead. This new Dominion was formed on July 1, 1867.

The Queen chose Ottawa as the capital. She picked it because it was easy to defend, on a major river, and located between Canada's two largest provinces, Quebec and Ontario.

The new constitution gave the Queen responsibility for "peace, order, and good government." The first royal family visit to the Dominion of Canada happened two years after its creation. Prince Arthur, the Queen's second son, came for military training in Montreal. He toured the country, was made a chief by the Iroquois, and attended a skating carnival. Canadians hoped he would return as governor general one day.

In the same year, Rupert's Land was given to Canada. This led to a Métis rebellion and the creation of a temporary government by Louis Riel. After talks, Manitoba became a province in 1870.

A Royal Governor General's Wife

After her husband, Prince Albert, died in 1861, Queen Victoria was very sad and stayed out of public life. In Britain, people started to resent her. But in Canada, Victoria's popularity stayed high because Canadians didn't see any change in her behavior.

In 1878, Queen Victoria appointed her son-in-law, John Campbell, Marquess of Lorne, as governor general. This meant that for the first time, Rideau Hall (the governor general's home) would have a royal resident: Victoria's fourth daughter, Princess Louise. Canadians were thrilled, believing the Princess would be a strong link to their Queen.

At first, some Canadian newspapers complained about having royalty in their country. But Princess Louise quickly won people over. She and Lord Lorne were more relaxed than previous governors general. They hosted many fun events like skating and tobogganing parties.

The royal couple also traveled widely across Canada. Their three-month visit to British Columbia in 1882 helped people there feel more connected to Confederation. Princess Louise was so popular that when the new transcontinental railway route was announced, British Columbia's Premier asked if Vancouver Island could become a separate kingdom with Princess Louise as queen! First Nations people called Lord Lorne "Great Brother-in-Law" as he and Louise traveled the Prairies.

Princess Louise and Lord Lorne made lasting contributions to Canadian society. They helped create the Royal Society of Canada, the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, and the National Gallery of Canada. Louise was a talented artist. Many places were named after her, including the province of Alberta. The Princess herself named Regina as the capital of Saskatchewan.

End of Victoria's Reign and a New Century

In Queen Victoria's later years, her Golden (1887) and Diamond (1897) celebrations were big events in Canada. Victoria was the first Canadian monarch to reach these milestones. Thanksgiving holidays were held to celebrate. Prime Minister John A. Macdonald attended the Golden Jubilee in London, which was an early version of today's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

For the Diamond Jubilee in Britain, Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier and Canadian soldiers led the parade through London. In Canada, special stamps were issued, and cities were decorated. On June 22, the Queen sent a telegram to all her Dominions, including Canada, saying, "from my heart, I thank my beloved people. May God bless them." Canada's gift to the Queen was the creation of the Victorian Order of Nurses, which still helps people today.

In 1894, Prime Minister John Thompson died at Windsor Castle in England, just hours after meeting the Queen. Victoria, in her wheelchair, placed a wreath on his coffin.

Queen Victoria died on January 22, 1901, after ruling for almost 64 years. Her eldest son, King Edward VII, took her place. Canada mourned Victoria's death. Church bells rang, guns fired salutes, and events were canceled. The day of her funeral was a national day of mourning.

Because of the transatlantic telegraph cable, Canadians learned of her death within minutes of the news in the United Kingdom. Before this, people often didn't know their monarch was ill.

Victoria's long and popular reign led to many places and monuments being named after her across Canada. In 1901, Parliament decided that May 24 would remain a holiday, called Victoria Day, to honor her birthday.

The Twentieth Century and World War I

The early 1900s saw Canada grow rapidly. With easier travel, more royal family members visited Canada. The first visit after Queen Victoria's death was by Prince George (later King George V) in 1901, with his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall and York. They toured Canada from Quebec City to Victoria, British Columbia. They even shook hands with thousands of people, always seeming interested.

Prince George visited again in 1908 as Prince of Wales for Quebec City's 300th anniversary. He reviewed Canadian troops and gave money to buy the Plains of Abraham for a park. He wrote to his father, "I hope my visit has done good, especially to improve the relations between the English and French Canadians."

King Edward VII died two years later, leading to a period of mourning in Canada. But his reign was short, so his death wasn't as impactful as his mother's. Newspapers were more open about his health.

Prince George became king. In 1911, he appointed his uncle, Prince Arthur, as governor general of Canada. This was the first time a natural-born member of the royal family served as Canada's federal representative. Prince Arthur, his wife, and daughter traveled widely across Canada. He laid the cornerstone of the rebuilt federal parliament building in 1917.

During the First World War, Prince Arthur helped with the war effort. He promoted training for Canadian troops and encouraged charity at home. His wife, Princess Louise, established a hospital fund and made thousands of socks for soldiers. Their daughter, Princess Patricia, had a regiment named after her, the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. She even embroidered its flag herself.

King George V visited Canadian troops and hospitals in the United Kingdom and on the Western Front in Europe. In 1917, to avoid anti-German feelings, George V changed the royal family's name from Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to Windsor.

Between the World Wars

After World War I, Prince Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII), toured Canada in 1919. He was very popular. In Toronto, soldiers lifted him off his horse and passed him over their heads! He even shook so many hands that his right hand became swollen. Edward returned to Ottawa to lay the foundation stone of the Peace Tower. He liked Canada so much that he bought a ranch in Pekisko, Alberta, and visited it many times.

In 1926, a big change happened for the governor general's role. The governor general had been a representative of the British government. But after a disagreement between Governor General Lord Byng and Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, it was decided that the governor general would be the King's direct representative in Canada, not a link between the Canadian and British governments.

This idea was put into law in 1927 with the Royal and Parliamentary Titles Act 1927. This law changed part of the King's title to show he was monarch of each Dominion separately. Then, in 1931, the Statute of Westminster 1931 made Canada fully independent. The British Parliament could no longer make laws for Canada without Canada's permission. The King could only be advised on Canadian matters by his Canadian ministers. This meant Canada's monarchy became truly Canadian.

In 1927, King George V and Queen Mary opened Canada House in London. Their sons, Princes Edward and George, visited Canada, unveiling monuments and opening new buildings.

In 1932, Canadians heard the first Royal Christmas Message from George V. Three years later, he celebrated his Silver Jubilee. But the joy was short-lived as the King died on January 20, 1936. News was announced on the radio, and then broadcasters fell silent out of respect.

Prince Edward became King Edward VIII. He was the first King of Canada to take the throne under Canada's own laws. In July 1936, Edward made his only foreign trip as king to unveil the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France, acting as the King of Canada.

Abdication and the King of Canada Comes Home

King Edward VIII's relationship with Wallis Simpson, an American woman who had been divorced twice, caused big problems. Canadians were more aware of this than people in the UK because British newspapers didn't publish the story. Governor General Lord Tweedsmuir told the King that Canadians loved him but would be very upset if he married a divorced woman. The Canadian government urged him to put his duty as king first.

Edward VIII gave up his Canadian Crown on December 10, 1936, with the consent of his Canadian ministers. His brother, Prince Albert, became Canada's king, choosing the name George VI. The Canadian Parliament later passed a law to confirm the abdication and show Canada's independence. Prime Minister Mackenzie King felt this would lead to a happier situation with the new King and Queen.

In 1937, Lord Tweedsmuir suggested a royal tour by the King to show Canadians their country was an independent kingdom. Mackenzie King agreed, also hoping the visit would gain sympathy for Britain before a possible war with Nazi Germany.

On May 17, 1939, the King of Canada, George VI, and his wife, Queen Elizabeth, arrived in Quebec City. George was the first reigning King of Canada to step onto Canadian soil. The public reaction was incredibly positive. Newspapers noted, "the King of Canada walked yesterday, as he walks today, among his own."

When they arrived at Rideau Hall on May 20, the official historian wrote, "the king of Canada had come home." In Ottawa, George performed his royal duties, like meeting the American envoy and approving bills passed by Parliament. The Queen laid the cornerstone of the Supreme Court of Canada building. The King also celebrated his official birthday on Parliament Hill, the first time a reigning monarch had done so in Canada.

The King and Queen traveled across Canada by train, meeting thousands of Canadians. From Winnipeg, Manitoba, the King gave his Empire Day speech by radio to the Dominions and Britain. They also visited the United States on behalf of Canada. During their trip, the Queen helped establish Canada's new identity by ensuring the Canadian Red Ensign (Canada's flag at the time) flew on the Royal Yacht. She also stood for "O Canada" and sometimes sang along.

What no one knew, except Elizabeth herself, was that she was pregnant with her third child during this tour. She kept it a secret until she returned to London.

World War II and Royal Support

Just five months after the King and Queen left Canada, Britain declared war on Nazi Germany. King George VI did this as King of the United Kingdom on September 3, 1939. But as King of Canada, he waited until September 10 to declare war, advised by his Canadian ministers. This was a big step, showing Canada's independence. By the end of the war, it was clear that the King, as far as Canada was concerned, had to act only on the advice of his Canadian ministers.

Governor General Lord Tweedsmuir died in February 1940. King George VI's uncle, the Earl of Athlone, was appointed to the post. He and his wife, Princess Alice (Queen Victoria's granddaughter), traveled to Canada during the Battle of the Atlantic.

The Governor General and Princess Alice supported Canada's war effort. Alice became Honorary Commandant of women's military services and worked for the Red Cross. Athlone traveled across Canada, spreading the message that King George VI was dedicated to fighting totalitarianism. The royal couple hosted the Quebec Conferences in 1943 and 1944, where Allied leaders planned their war strategies.

During the war, there were plans for the King, Queen, and their daughters to live at Hatley Castle in British Columbia, which the King's Canadian government bought as a royal palace. But it was decided that the King should stay in London to boost morale. From there, Canada's monarch and his family supported Canadian soldiers, sailors, and airmen. The King visited Canadian troops in the UK and on the Western Front in Europe. He even visited Canadian units in Italy in 1944, traveling secretly.

Prince George, Duke of Kent (the King's brother) visited air bases in Canada. Queen Elizabeth asked Canadian women to help with the war. Her daughter, Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II), posed for her first official Canadian portrait in 1940. She visited Canadian service members and reviewed Canadian airwomen. In 1947, her father appointed her Colonel-in-Chief of two Canadian regiments.

Canada also hosted foreign royalty in exile during the war, many at Rideau Hall. These included the Crown Prince and Princess of Norway, the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, the King of Yugoslavia, and the King of Greece. Crown Princess Juliana of the Netherlands gave birth to her daughter, Princess Margriet, in Ottawa. The hospital room was temporarily declared Dutch territory so the baby would have only Dutch nationality.

The Second Elizabethan Age Begins

As Princess Elizabeth grew up, she became more involved in national affairs. Prime Minister Mackenzie King noted her interest in Canada. In 1947, he received her request to marry Philip Mountbatten. The Canadian government approved, and their wedding was a happy event for Canadians after the war. The King's Canadian government gave the newlyweds a canoe and a mink coat.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh toured Canada in late 1951. The Princess even brought a draft proclamation in case her father, the King, died while she was in Canada. They attended their first hockey game in Toronto and enjoyed a square dance at Rideau Hall. They also visited President Harry S. Truman in the United States. Truman greeted Elizabeth as a "Canadian princess."

King George VI died in his sleep on February 6, 1952. Princess Elizabeth was in Kenya at the time. The news caught Canadians by surprise. Canada was the first place to announce Elizabeth II's accession as Queen. Her proclamation for the United Kingdom was read the next day.

Many of the new Queen's Canadian ministers flew to London for the King's funeral. The Prime Minister stayed in Ottawa for a wreath-laying ceremony. Most Canadians listened to the funeral on the radio, as televisions were still rare.

The Queen was crowned at Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953. Her coronation gown was embroidered with Canada's maple leaf. Canadian leaders were present, and the ceremony was broadcast worldwide on television. Film footage was flown to Canada by jet bombers, making the first non-stop flights between the UK and Canada. Elizabeth swore to "govern the peoples of... Canada... according to their respective laws and customs." The day before, a law gave Elizabeth a distinctly Canadian title.

During a 1957 tour of Canada, the Queen made her first live television appearance. She appointed her husband to her Canadian Privy Council and opened Parliament. About 50,000 people came to Parliament Hill to see her. Elizabeth and Prince Philip also visited the United States on behalf of Canada.

Two years later, the Queen opened the Saint Lawrence Seaway. She toured all of Canada and visited the United States twice. Prime Minister John Diefenbaker insisted that Americans understand Elizabeth was visiting as the Canadian monarch. The Queen made sure the Canadian Red Ensign (Canada's flag) was flown on her yacht and stood for "O Canada".

What was unknown to everyone but Elizabeth and Diefenbaker was that the Queen was pregnant during this tour. She kept it secret and continued her journey.

Changing Times and Canadian Identity

The 1960s brought big changes to Canada. The Queen found herself affected by new politics and technology. For example, she opened the first trans-Atlantic telephone cable by calling Prime Minister Diefenbaker from Buckingham Palace. However, changes in Canadian identity created challenges. Multiculturalism became official policy, and more immigrants came from outside the British Isles. Quebec separatism also grew, causing political debate about the Crown.

Some in the Quebec sovereignty movement saw the monarchy as a symbol of federalism or British history. They sometimes showed their dislike for the institution. In 1964, there were fears of a plot to harm the Queen during her visit to Quebec. Despite this, the Queen arrived as planned. In a speech in French and English, she spoke of Canada's two "complementary cultures." She said, "I am pleased to think that there exists in our Commonwealth a country where I can express myself officially in French." However, as her motorcade passed through Quebec City, some people turned their backs or booed. Police broke up protests, arresting some people. The Queen's "calmness and courage" were noted.

Despite calls for Canada to become a republic, Queen Elizabeth, with Prince Philip, led the main celebration of Canada's centennial in 1967. She took part in a ceremony on Parliament Hill and toured Expo 67.

In 1968, a constitutional meeting discussed changes to the Crown. Quebec delegates suggested a provincial president instead of the lieutenant governor, but this was not accepted. Later, in 1978, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau proposed making the governor general the head of state, called "First Canadian." Provincial leaders strongly opposed this.

Over this period, references to the monarch were slowly removed from public view. While some royal symbols remained, the Queen's portrait was seen less in schools. The Royal Mail became Canada Post, and the Royal Canadian Navy and Air Force were merged into the Canadian Armed Forces. These changes aimed to make the Crown seem more rooted in Canada's future, not just its past.

These changes, along with Trudeau's actions, made some suspect he wanted to end the monarchy. The Monarchist League of Canada was founded in 1970 to support Canada's constitutional monarchy.

When Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor (the former King Edward VIII), died in 1972, Canada's mourning was minimal. Messages of sympathy were sent, but they didn't mention his time as King.

Elizabeth toured Canada many times in the 1970s. A 1970 tour, with Prince Philip, Prince Charles, and Princess Anne, marked the centennials of the Northwest Territories and Manitoba. It also aimed to show Canadian sovereignty over the North. In 1973, the Queen and Prince Philip visited Prince Edward Island for its centennial and Regina for the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Queen also attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Canada, starting a tradition.

In 1976, Trudeau advised the Queen to open the Olympics in Montreal. Six other royal family members attended, including Princess Anne, who competed for the UK. The next year, the Queen returned for her Silver Jubilee tour.

In 1978, Prince Andrew attended Lakefield College School in Canada for a semester. He was given a canoe by the Canadian government.

Canada Becomes a Fully Independent Kingdom

The Queen allowed her representative in Canada, the governor general, to take on more of her duties. It became common for the governor general to represent the Queen and Canada on state visits abroad.

On July 29, 1981, Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer. Millions of Canadians watched. Governor General Edward Schreyer attended, and Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau gave the couple a handmade canoe as a gift. Diana was very popular with Canadians.

The Queen hosted the President of France, François Mitterrand, at a Canadian war cemetery in France on June 6, 1984. This was for the 40th anniversary of the Normandy landings. The Queen, Trudeau, and Prince Philip met with Canadian veterans.

The government was working on making Canada's constitution fully Canadian. In 1981, Canadian officials found the Queen "better informed" about Canada's constitutional issues than British politicians. Elizabeth helped with the project. In Ottawa on April 17, 1982, she proclaimed the Constitution Act, 1982, into force. This made Canada's constitution fully Canadian law and protected the monarchy in Canada. Any changes to the monarch's position now needed the consent of the federal and all 10 provincial governments. Trudeau said, "I always said it was thanks to three women that we were eventually able to reform our constitution[, including] the Queen, who was favourable."

However, Quebec's government did not agree to the new constitution. This was seen by Quebec separatists as a betrayal. The Queen privately expressed regret that Quebec was not part of the agreement.

In 1987, the Queen publicly supported the Meech Lake Accord, which tried to get Quebec's support for the constitution. She received some criticism for this. Also in 1987, Prince Andrew toured Canada with his wife, Sarah, Duchess of York. She was popular and felt Canada was like her second home. She later said Andrew was offered the position of governor general but they declined.

The Queen toured Canada again in 1990. The trip was originally planned for her to sign a constitutional amendment. But the plan failed, causing fears for Canada's unity. On Canada Day, Elizabeth told the crowds, "it is my fondest wish... that Canadians come together and remain together... Canada is a country worth working for."

Nationalism in Quebec grew, and another vote on leaving Canada was held in 1995. Five days before the vote, a radio DJ tricked the Queen into speaking about the referendum. She said she felt it "may go the wrong way" and would help if she could. On the day of the vote, the Queen, on her way to New Zealand, asked her pilot to wait for the results from Quebec.

In 1998, there were rumors that some government staff wanted to abolish the monarchy. This was denied and widely criticized.

The New Millennium and Beyond

The Queen and Prince Philip toured Canada for 12 days in 2002 to mark Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee. Thousands of people came out to see them. In Iqaluit, Nunavut, Elizabeth told the new Legislative Assembly, "I am proud to be the first member of the Canadian royal family to be greeted in Canada's newest territory." In Vancouver, the Queen, with Wayne Gretzky, dropped the ceremonial first puck at a hockey game. This was the first time a reigning monarch had done this. In Saskatchewan, she unveiled a statue of herself riding an RCMP horse.

Before the tour, a group called Citizens for a Canadian Republic formed to promote replacing the monarchy. The Deputy Prime Minister publicly supported ending the monarchy after Queen Elizabeth II's death.

In 2003, Governor General Adrienne Clarkson signed a Royal Proclamation of 2003 acknowledging the 1754 deportation of the Acadians. This helped calm demands for a formal apology from the Queen.

The Queen and Prince Philip toured Alberta and Saskatchewan in 2005 for their centennials. Alberta's government wanted the Queen to personally approve a bill, but this was questioned as it might conflict with making Canadian institutions more Canadian.

In 2006, Stephen Harper became Prime Minister. He praised the Queen's "lifelong dedication to duty."

Prince Harry trained in Canada in 2007 before serving in Afghanistan. His aunt, the Princess Royal, also visited Saskatchewan, meeting families of soldiers killed in Afghanistan and First Nations elders.

In 2007, the Queen did not attend Quebec City's 400th anniversary celebrations. The federal government advised her not to go, fearing protests from Quebec separatists. Governor General Michaëlle Jean attended instead.

Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, toured Canada in 2009. Charles was appointed to high ranks in the Canadian military and became honorary head of the Canadian Rangers.

In 2011, Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, toured Canada. They attended a citizenship ceremony and Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill.

Official celebrations for Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee began in 2010. She planted a special Jubilee shrub and unveiled a stained glass window showing herself and Queen Victoria. The Jubilee officially started on February 6, 2012, with the raising of the Queen's Canadian royal standard on Parliament Hill. Events were held across the country, and the Royal Canadian Mint issued special coins.

The Queen reopened a renovated Canada House in 2015. On September 9, 2015, Elizabeth became the second-longest reigning monarch of Canada (after King Louis XIV of France). The Bank of Canada, Canada Post, and the Royal Canadian Mint issued commemorative items.

In 2017, the Queen addressed Canadians by video for Canada's 150th anniversary. She said, "I have watched Canada develop into a remarkable nation." Prince Charles represented her at the main celebrations in Ottawa.

In 2019, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, spent Christmas on Vancouver Island. In 2020, they announced they were stepping back from their royal roles and moved to British Columbia, then to California.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Queen expressed support for Canadians. In 2022, celebrations were held for her Platinum Jubilee, the first in Canadian history. However, statues of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II in Winnipeg were vandalized due to issues of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. In 2021, the Queen appointed Mary Simon as the first Indigenous governor general.

After Elizabeth's Reign

Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022. Her eldest son, King Charles III, became King. Her last public statement was to support Canadians after the 2022 Saskatchewan stabbings. Her death was a shock to many Canadians who had known only one ruler. However, daily life continued mostly as usual outside of government.

On September 10, the new King was proclaimed at Rideau Hall. This ceremony included trumpets and a 21-gun salute. It was the first time the Chief Herald of Canada read the royal proclamation.

After the 2022 Quebec election, some elected members refused to take the oath of allegiance to the King of Canada. This meant they couldn't take their seats in the provincial parliament. The legislature passed a law trying to make the oath optional, but it's unclear if this law is valid.

In April 2023, the Canadian government proposed a new title for the King that removes references to the United Kingdom and "Defender of the Faith." This bill became law in June 2023, and the new title was issued in January 2024: "Charles the Third, by the Grace of God King of Canada and His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth."

In May 2023, before King Charles III's coronation, Governor General Mary Simon arranged for the King to meet Indigenous leaders at Buckingham Palace. These leaders also attended the coronation ceremony.

On May 6, a televised ceremony in Ottawa marked the coronation of Charles III. A new standard for the monarch and a heraldic crown with Canadian elements were unveiled. It was also announced that Charles's image would replace Elizabeth II's on Canadian coins and the twenty-dollar bill. Landmarks across Canada were lit up green. The government will also give coronation medals to 30,000 Canadians who have made important contributions.

A planned tour of Canada by Charles was canceled after he was diagnosed with cancer.

Monarchs of Canadian Territories

The line of monarchs who ruled over lands that became Canada began around the 16th century. Some say it started in 1497 with King Henry VII's claim to Newfoundland. Others say it was in 1534 when King Francis I founded New France. Since then, there has been a continuous line of French and British rulers, leading to the distinct Canadian monarchy we have today. Since John Cabot claimed Canada for Henry VII, there have been 33 monarchs of Canada.

See also

• History of Canada
• History of monarchy in Alberta
• History of monarchy in British Columbia
• History of monarchy in Manitoba
• History of monarchy in New Brunswick
• History of monarchy in Newfoundland and Labrador
• History of monarchy in Nova Scotia
• History of monarchy in Ontario
• History of monarchy in Prince Edward Island
• History of monarchy in Quebec
• History of monarchy in Saskatchewan
• Monarchism in Canada
• Republicanism in Canada
• Royal tours of Canada
• History of monarchy in Australia
• History of monarchy in the United Kingdom