Statement by the Chief of the Defence Staff on the passing of our Commander-in-Chief, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

September 10, 2022 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

As members of the Canadian Armed Forces mourn the passing of our Commander-in-Chief, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, we are also compelled to reflect on her remarkable legacy of devotion to duty and selfless service.

For the entirety of her historic reign, Her Majesty The Queen embodied our highest ideals of integrity, resolve, and grace.

Her Majesty had a longstanding relationship with the Canadian Armed Forces, holding a number of honorary appointments, including serving as Colonel-in-Chief of several Canadian military units, regiments, and branches.

She has supported the Canadian Armed Forces in times of peace and in times of war. And from her own service as a truck driver and mechanic during the Second World War through her 70 years on the throne she set a standard of character, humility, and loyalty to which everyone who wears the uniform can aspire.

On behalf of every member of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer and I offer our deepest condolences to the members of the Royal Family.

General Wayne Eyre
Chief of the Defence Staff