Royal Anthem
The Royal Anthem, “God Save the King,” is a traditional song that also acts as the national anthem of the United Kingdom. While the traditional song is English, there is also a French and a bilingual version for official use in Canada.
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Listen to the instrumental version
Royal Anthem — instrumental version (lyrics)
History and use
The Royal Anthem, “God Save the King,” originated as a patriotic song in England in the 18th century. Neither the author nor the composer is known. In Canada, the anthem is performed officially in the presence of the Sovereign or of members of the Royal Family representing the Sovereign. It is also performed on special occasions related to the Canadian monarchy such as commemorative ceremonies in honour of members of the Royal Family or to mark the coronation of the Sovereign. Part of the Royal Anthem, along with part of the National Anthem, is also included in the Salute accorded in Canada to the governor general and lieutenant governors, known as the Viceregal Salute.
“God Save the King” is also used as the national anthem of the United Kingdom.
While “O Canada” is the national anthem of Canada, “God Save The King” is our Royal Anthem. Both songs have multiple verses, though typically only the first verse is sung. The English lyrics of the Royal Anthem are traditional. Those of the French version used by the Government of Canada were originally adopted in 1952 ahead of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, and were also sung on February 15, 1965, at the first raising of the National Flag of Canada on Parliament Hill. The bilingual version is derived from these versions.
Other than the official uses in the presence of the Sovereign or their royal representatives or at royal events, it is no longer customary to play the Royal Anthem at public events in Canada. However, Canadians are free to use the Royal Anthem as an expression of loyalty or to otherwise honour the Canadian monarchy. “God Save The King” is in the public domain and may be used without having to obtain permission from the Government of Canada.
Lyrics
The Royal Anthem has English, French, and bilingual versions for use in Canada.
English version
God save our gracious King
Long live our noble King,
God save The King:
Send him victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us:
God save The King.
French version
Dieu protège le Roi
De sa main souveraine!
Vive le Roi!
Qu’un règne glorieux,
Long et victorieux
Rende son peuple heureux.
Vive le Roi!
Bilingual version
God save our gracious King,
Long live our noble King,
God save the King;
Qu’un règne glorieux,
Long et victorieux
Rende son peuple heureux.
Vive le Roi! / God Save the King!
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