Our Monarchy

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Symbols

There are many symbols reflecting Canada's status as a constitutional monarchy, including those of the Monarch, as well as the vice-regal representatives.

St Edward's Crown, made in 1661, is the official coronation crown used exclusively in the coronation of a new monarch. This is the Crown frequently seen on many Canadian symbols such as coats-of-arms, badges, etc. to convey royal authority. During World War II, the Crown Jewels were sent to Canada for safe keeping.

 

The Royal Coat of Arms of Canada

The design of the arms of Canada reflects the royal symbols of Great Britain and France (the three royal lions of England, the royal lion of Scotland, the royal fleurs-de-lis of France and the royal Irish harp of Tara. On the bottom portion of the shield is a sprig of three Canadian maple leaves representative of Canadians of all origins. For more information, click here.



The Great Seal of Canada


The Great Seal used for official purposes of state in Canada such as the certification of Acts of Parliament. Each of the provinces also have their own seals, for similar purposes
.



Canadian Coinage


As the Head of State of Canada, Queen Elizabeth II's Effigy appears on the front of all Canadian coinage.



The Royal Cypher

The Royal Cypher is The Queen’s monogram(Elizabeth II Regina) below a crown. It is used in the insignia of Orders, decorations and medals, and on various badges.





Royal Standard of Canada

This is the official flag of Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada. It is used only when the Queen is in Canada or when she is attending an event abroad primarily as the Canadian Head of State.





Royal Union Flag

When flown or displayed in Canada, this Canadian flag is flown as a symbol of membership in the Commonwealth and allegiance to the Crown as approved by Parliament in 1964. It should be flown where ever possible on the following days:

  • Second Sunday in March
    (Commonwealth Day)
  • Victoria Day- the official birthday of the monarch (the Monday preceding May 24)
  • December 11- the anniversary of the proclamation of the Statute of Westminster


 


Royal Anthem


"God Save The Queen" has no legal status in Canada, although it is considered as the royal anthem, to be played in the presence of members of the Royal Family.

God save our gracious Queen
Long live our noble Queen,
God save the Queen:
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us:
God save the Queen.

O Lord, our God, arise,
Scatter thine enemies,
And make them fall:
Confound their politics,
Frustrate their knavish tricks,
On thee our hopes we fix:
God save us all.

Thy choicest gifts in store,
On her be pleased to pour;
Long may she reign:
May she defend our laws,
And ever give us cause
To sing with heart and voice
God save the Queen.


 


Oath of Allegiance


Most nations have an Oath of Allegiance. The Canadian Oath of Allegiance is to the Canadian Monarch, and not to "Canada" or the Constitution of Canada. This is because the Sovereign is vested with all executive power, and thus he or she is seen as one who "personifies the State and is the personal symbol of allegiance, unity and authority for all Canadians". The Oath, in its present form, is

I, ……………, do Solemnly swear (affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors according to law, forever. So help me God.

A person may choose to replace the word "swear" with "affirm" and to omit the phrase "So help me God." This person is also given the option of "swearing" on a bible or not.



(Source: Some information from the Department of Canadian Heritage)

   
    Updated: 2010-06-27

 

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