Commemorative events

The Government of Canada marked the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with a 10-day period of mourning and a national commemorative ceremony.

To honour the memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, a National Day of Mourning was proclaimed on the day of the ceremony.

Half-masting

Flags on all Government of Canada buildings and establishments in Canada and abroad were flown at half-mast from the day of the passing until sunset on the day of the funeral, with the exception of the day on which the new Monarch was proclaimed.

Illuminations across Canada

To highlight the important connection between Her Majesty and Canada, buildings and sites at several places visited by Her Majesty in Canada were illuminated in a royal blue hue in the evening during the period of mourning. For example, the Parliament buildings were illuminated with a projection of the Royal Cypher of Her Majesty on the Peace Tower.

National commemorative ceremony

The Government of Canada held a national ceremony in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Monday, September 19, 2022, at Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa.

The ceremony began with a memorial parade consisting of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. A gun salute of 1 round per year of life was conducted during the memorial parade.

Invitees to the ceremony included government officials, dignitaries and representatives of organizations with whom Her Majesty had a close connection such as charities and military regiments.

Watch the ceremony

Watch the ceremony with audio description

Program for the national commemorative ceremony