Celebrating His Majesty’s Coronation
See how Canada celebrated the Coronation of King Charles III across the country with Government of Canada and partner initiatives.
Watch highlights from the Canadian celebrations
See the photo gallery of the Canadians celebrations
Celebration in honour of the Coronation of King Charles III
The Government of Canada held a celebration in honour of His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation on Saturday, May 6, 2023, in Ottawa. Looking to the future and inspired by values shared by Canada and His Majesty, such as the protection of the environment, the importance of service to others, and highlighting the diversity of our country, the ceremony brought together artists and speakers whose different experiences reflect this vision.
Performers included the Algonquin group Eagle River Singers, poet Sabrina Benaim, singer-songwriter Florence K, the Ottawa Regional Youth Choir, and traditional music group Inn Echo. Muralist and illustrator Dominic Laporte was also on hand to create a work of art.
The hour-long event also featured speeches by Albert Dumont, an Algonquin spiritual advisor known for his social activism—particularly in support of youth—and protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples, and Farah Alibay, an aerospace engineer active in her community and a champion of service to others and volunteer involvement.
In addition, special partner unveilings were conducted to mark the coronation of the new monarch and the change of reign.
The event concluded with a 21-gun salute that was fired from Parliament Hill. To highlight The King’s role as Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces Serenade of Strings also performed at the ceremony.
Dignitaries from the Table of Precedence for Canada, including members of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, eminent Canadians, and Canadians who support causes dear to His Majesty, were present.
Program for the celebration in honour of the Coronation of King Charles III
Collector coins
The Royal Canadian Mint unveiled pure gold and silver collector coins to mark the Coronation during the celebration held in Ottawa on May 6, 2023. The central design of each coin in the King Charles III Coronation suite features His Majesty’s Royal Cypher, the Sovereign’s personal monogram. The obverse of each coin features the updated Susanna Blunt-designed effigy of the late Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by a special marking consisting of a vertical inscription of the dates 1952 and 2022, separated by 4 pearls symbolizing the 4 effigies that have graced Canadian coins throughout her reign.
Definitive stamp
Canada Post unveiled a new definitive stamp in honour of His Majesty King Charles III during the celebration held in Ottawa on May 6, 2023. This stamp follows a long-standing tradition of issuing definitive stamps depicting the Canadian Sovereign, dating back more than 170 years. The design features a portrait of King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) by photographer Alan Shawcross, and is available in books of 10, and an official first day cover, cancelled in Ottawa. This is the first ever Canadian stamp bearing the likeness of King Charles III.
Sovereign’s Flag
The flag of the Sovereign for use in Canada consists of a banner of the Royal Arms of Canada—that is, a rectangular representation of the shield of the Coat of Arms of Canada.
Aside from the maple leaves representing Canada and all Canadians, the flag features royal emblems of the United Kingdom and France: the lions of England and Scotland, the harp of Ireland, and the fleurs-de-lis of France.
While the personal flag of Queen Elizabeth II for use in Canada also featured a personal symbol at the centre—a blue disc bearing her initial—the current flag emphasizes that the Royal Arms of Canada, as their name implies, are also the arms of the monarch of Canada.
This flag therefore marks the beginning of the reign of King Charles III as King of Canada, but features a permanent design that will also serve for all future sovereigns of Canada.
The flag of the Sovereign for use in Canada was created by the Canadian Heraldic Authority and approved by His Majesty in April 2023.
The Canadian Royal Crown
Unveiled on May 6,2023, the Canadian Royal Crown features a familiar design resembling the English Royal Crown in the Tudor style, while incorporating distinctly Canadian elements.
The Crown’s rim bears stylized maple leaves, the quintessential symbol of Canada, as well as rising and falling peaks representing Canada’s varied landscape with its many mountain ranges and river valleys. The wavy blue line represents the country’s lakes and rivers, as well as the 3 oceans that encompass its borders. This also alludes to the Indigenous teachings reminding us that water is the lifeblood of the land, and emphasizes the importance of the environment to all Canadians. The red cap and its trim in white ermine fur also provide a nod to the colours of the National Flag of Canada. Finally, the Crown is topped with a stylized snowflake, representing our snowy winters. This snowflake resembles the insignia of the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest honours.
The Royal Crown is an important symbol of the sovereign’s authority, as well as the state’s power and the principle of the Canadian monarchy. Its design was created by the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Coronation Medal program
On May 3, 2023, the Prime Minister announced that the Government of Canada intends to award 30,000 Coronation medals to Canadians who have made a significant contribution to Canada, a province, territory, region or community, or an achievement abroad that brings benefit or honour to Canadians or Canada. Further details on the design and distribution of the medals will be available in the coming months.
Marking the Coronation at Rideau Hall
On May 6 and 7, 2023, the public was invited to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III by taking part in free activities at Rideau Hall, the residence and workplace of the governor general in Ottawa.
Provincial and territorial programming
A number of lieutenant-governors and territorial commissioners invited Canadians to participate in initiatives in their communities to mark this significant event, including community celebrations, military parades, tree plantings and displays.
National illumination initiative
On May 6 and 7, 2023, the Peace Tower and Senate Building, as well as other federal buildings in Canada’s Capital Region, were illuminated in emerald-green to mark this historic event. Landmarks across the country were encouraged to participate in this initiative. Illuminations also took place on May 7, 2023 in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries.
Official Canadian Portrait of King Charles III
Work is underway to refresh the official Canadian Portrait of His Majesty The King. Further information on availability and distribution will be shared in due course.
Learning resources by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society
Canadian Heritage, through the Canada History Fund, provided $257,000 to the Royal Canadian Geographical Society to support the creation of educational materials commemorating the Coronation of King Charles III and his ties to Canada. These resources highlight 2 common priority areas for His Majesty and Canada: the environment and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
The Coronation of King Charles III — Royal Canadian Geographical Society
Exhibition: His Majesty Charles III, King of Canada
Library and Archives Canada and the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom are presenting a special exhibition to mark the Coronation of King Charles III. A selection of 70 items, including historical images and 5 previously unseen items from the collections of Library and Archives Canada and The King’s private collection, will be on display from April 11 to June 3, 2023, at Canada House in London.
Related links
- The Canadian Coronation Emblem
- Royal Tours of Canada
- Monarchy and the Crown
- Her Majesty The Queen Consort
- The Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort (official website of the British Monarchy)
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