Canada’s Royal Family – Relevant Today Or Relic Of the Past
Perhaps you aren’t even aware there is such a thing as Canada’s Royal Family. Well, it’s not exclusively ours. You see, we share them. Canada’s Royal Family was initially the royal family of the United Kingdom only and was known as Britain’s Royal Family. However, the British, being a generous lot, decided to share their royal family with other countries worldwide. Let’s see how that has evolved and declined over the centuries and decades.
Disclaimer: I have written this essay in a light-hearted, ‘tongue-in-cheek’ manner. It is not my intent to disrespect or offend the British Royal Family, its members, or any of the countries listed in the essay.
Let’s first clarify some definitions to avoid confusion later:
| Term | Includes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| England | England only | Country within the UK |
| Great Britain | England, Scotland, and Wales | Island |
| Britain | Informal; usually Great Britain or UK | Nickname (contextual) |
| United Kingdom | England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland | Sovereign nation |
| British Isles | Great Britain, the island of Ireland (Northern Ireland + Republic of Ireland), + smaller surrounding islands | Geographical region |
Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II reigned as the monarch of the United Kingdom from February 6, 1952, until her passing on September 8, 2022. Her reign of over 70 years saw her as the head of state of 32 independent countries. Only 15 countries still recognized her as their queen at the time of her death. But why did some countries cease to acknowledge her position?
It has to do with how she became queen of countries outside of the United Kingdom. It happened mainly through colonization. Britain established a worldwide empire through colonization, as did Spain and Portugal before it, and other European countries followed, including France, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Italy. Times have changed. Most countries don’t want another country involved in their politics, even if only in a symbolic way. So, what about Canada?
King Charles III
Charles, Elizabeth’s oldest son and first in line to the throne, was 74 when Elizabeth II passed away. He became king immediately upon her death, and his coronation was on May 6, 2023. His official title is: “Charles III, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of His other Realms and Territories, King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith”. When referring to him, use the title “His Majesty the King.” If you ever have the opportunity of meeting him, address him as “Your Majesty”. It would be impolite or improper protocol to call him Charles, Charlie, Chuck or Chucky, so we won’t do that here. He is now the reigning monarch of the 15 Commonwealth realms, as listed below.
| Realm | Everyday Title |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | King Charles III, King of the United Kingdom |
| Canada | King Charles III, King of Canada |
| Australia | King Charles III, King of Australia |
| New Zealand | King Charles III, King of New Zealand |
| Jamaica | King Charles III, King of Jamaica |
| The Bahamas | King Charles III, King of the Bahamas |
| Papua New Guinea | King Charles III, King of Papua New Guinea |
| Solomon Islands | King Charles III, King of the Solomon Islands |
| Tuvalu | King Charles III, King of Tuvalu |
| Saint Lucia | King Charles III, King of Saint Lucia |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | King Charles III, King of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Belize | King Charles III, King of Belize |
| Antigua and Barbuda | King Charles III, King of Antigua and Barbuda |
| Grenada | King Charles III, King of Grenada |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | King Charles III, King of Saint Kitts and Nevis |
Canada’s Constitutional Monarchy Explained
As of 2025, only five countries have absolute monarchies: Brunei, Eswatini, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. All other countries with monarchies are constitutional monarchies. A constitutional monarchy differs from an absolute monarchy in that the specific country’s constitution determines the monarch’s power and authority. Depending on the country, the reigning monarchy may have widespread powers or be purely symbolic.
Canada’s constitutional monarchy is symbolic. Canada’s Royal Family, which is also the British Royal Family and shared with 13 other independent countries, resides in the United Kingdom. Each country’s monarch and other members of the royal family, although the same individuals, are separate and legally distinct. The Commonwealth of Nations, a voluntary association of 53 sovereign states, includes the 15 previously stated countries. Most countries in the Commonwealth of Nations were British colonies or dependencies of those colonies. For a current list of Commonwealth nations, check out the Commonwealth Network.
The monarchy is represented in Canada by the Governor General of Canada, federally; a Lieutenant Governor in each of the ten provinces; and a Commissioner in each of the three territories. The appropriate representative must sign new laws to make them legal. However, this signing is symbolic only.
Canada Becomes a Constitutional Monarchy
Canada has undergone numerous changes in governance over the years in its pursuit of independence. Unless you are a true history buff, the dates and details of this progression would be damn boring. So let’s look at a couple of more recent dates. The Maple Leaf became the official flag of Canada on February 15, 1965. Previously, Canada was represented by various flags with the British Union Jack in the corner, as seen below. Imagine being a country for 98 years without having its own flag. Thanks to Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, it finally came to pass.
On April 17, 1982, Canada assumed full responsibility for its own constitution. Before that, it was the responsibility of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. In practice, Canada already had the responsibility for the constitution. However, the Canada Act made it official. Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau finally brought the constitution home.
The bringing home of the constitution was not a unanimous decision in Canada. The federal government and nine of the ten provincial governments agreed. The one holdout was the provincial government of Quebec. Again, without delving too deeply into history, the vast majority of Canadians initially came from an English-speaking heritage. Quebec is the only province in Canada with a majority French-speaking population and culture. Quebec was concerned about preserving its language and culture, and remains so to this day.
The Popularity of Canada’s Royal Family
In Canada, many people (monarchists) are pleased that the king of the United Kingdom is also the king of Canada. They see a benefit in being associated with other Commonwealth countries. However, some are opposed to Canada having any relationship whatsoever with the British monarchy (republicans). We will examine and attempt to understand the perspectives of each of these groups shortly. However, let me make my opinion clear before we do that.
I don’t give a damn either way. I am neither a monarchist nor a republican. Although I disagree with how the British Empire came to be through colonization, I’m pleased that Canada is a member of the Commonwealth of countries for many reasons. Chuck, sorry, I mean His Majesty, King Charles III, seems like a good guy, involved in many respectable charities. However, he would still be involved in those charities if he were no longer the King of Canada. The only cost I’m aware of associated with having Canada’s Royal Family is the cost of security when any of them visit our country, but that is a cost we must bear with any visiting foreign dignitaries.
On the other hand, I can understand the concerns of Quebec’s government and citizens in wanting to maintain their language and heritage. Perhaps, even more important are the views of the First Nations People of Canada, whose language, culture, and way of life have been all but eliminated by colonization.
Monarchists and Canada’s Royal Family
Monarchists, for the most part, are not particularly vocal. They have no reason to be because they agree with the status quo. However, their reasons for wanting to maintain the monarchy, although mostly sentimental, are solid.
The monarchy in Canada, although symbolic, is perceived as non-partisan and apolitical, two qualities that are beneficial for the head of state. Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III have both successfully maintained that image. They have rarely made public comments that might be considered political.
The Royal Family, due to its association with other Commonwealth countries, gives Canada a modern sense of belonging. It can relate to many countries around the world, both historically and linguistically, and in some cases, ethnically. It is, and has always been, a large part of Canada’s national identity.
The Royal Family is also significant in differentiating Canada from the United States as an independent and sovereign country, which is currently more relevant than ever.
Republicans and Canada’s Royal Family
First of all, I must state clearly that the term “republicans”, as used here, has nothing to do with the republican party, past or present, in the politics of the United States. The term refers to those who would like Canada to become a republic without a royal family.
Although there has been resistance to the Royal Family even before Canada became a country, it has not been prevalent. The majority of Canadians held Queen Elizabeth II in high regard during her 70-year reign. However, since Charles III became king, support for the Canadian Royal family has slipped slightly.
Perception appears to be the primary reason for objecting to Canada having a royal family. Some feel it is a hit to national pride to have a royal family from another country. Some other countries may still view Canada as a former British colony.
Perhaps more importantly, having the British monarch as our head of state is contrary to the multiculturalism for which Canada is renowned.
Conclusion
The concerns about having a monarchy in Canada do not seem to be significant or far-reaching. From time to time, we hear complaints from various anti-monarchy groups in the media, but the complaints are not ongoing.
The Royal Family is firmly entrenched in the Canadian constitution, although its role is symbolic. It would require unanimous approval from the federal government, as well as from all ten provinces, to abolish the Royal Family. So, like it or not, they are here to stay.
The above essay is for entertainment and English language study only. For suggestions on how to use this post to improve your English reading and listening comprehension, click here.
Vocabulary
- evolved – verb – evolve (transitive or intransitive); develop or come forth gradually; happen
- reigned – verb – reign (intransitive); hold royal office; be king or queen; be king or queen
- colonization – noun; make colonial, esp. in attitudes; become a colony of another country
- symbolic – adjective; of or serving as a symbol; having little or no power (in this context)
- protocol – noun; official, esp. diplomatic, formality and etiquette observed on state occasions, etc.; respect for the position (in this context)
- realm – noun, formal; a kingdom; with a king or queen as head of state
- constitution – noun; the body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed; the document by which a country is governed
- state – noun; an organized political community under one government; a nation; a country
- unanimous – adjective; all in agreement; agreed to by all involved
- monarchist – noun; an advocate of the principles of monarchy; a person in favour of the monarchy (having a king or queen)
- republican – noun; a person advocating or supporting republican government; a person opposed to a monarchy (having a king or queen)
- status quo – noun; the existing state of affairs; the same as it is now
- apolitical – adjective; without political bias; without involving politics
- ethnically – adverb; denoting origin by birth or descent rather than nationality; ethic group rather than country
- differentiating – verb – differentiate (transitive); constitute a difference between or in; showing a difference
- sovereign – adjective; characterized by independence or autonomy; an independent country (in this context)
- prevalent – adjective; generally existing or occurring; very common
- multiculturalism – noun; designating or pertaining to a society consisting of many culturally distinct groups; a system of many different cultures, as in Canada
Comprehension Questions
- How many countries in total share the same royal family as Canada?
(a) 10, (b) 15, (c) 20, or (d) 25 - What was Queen Elizabeth’s title?
(a) Queen Elizabeth I, (b)