King Charles III has been proclaimed Canada’s head of state at a ceremony held at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Saturday.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signed the order-in-council and the proclamation for the accession in the presence of Governor General Mary Simon.
After Trudeau signed the documents, the Chief Herald of Canada Samy Khalid read out the proclamation on the accession of King Charles III.
The event was marked with 21 gun salutes, which lasted a little over three minutes.
Trudeau said in a statement that while Canada continues to mourn the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, the government also looks to the future with the proclamation of the accession of King Charles III as Sovereign of Canada.
Trudeau added that Canada has “enjoyed a long history and a close friendship” with King Charles III, who has visited our country many times over the years.
“We have no doubt that his deeply felt commitment to education, the environment, and the empowerment of young people will provide a strong foundation from which he will continue to work toward the betterment of the Commonwealth and its people,” said Trudeau. “On behalf of the Government of Canada, we affirm our loyalty to Canada’s new King, His Majesty King Charles III, and offer him our full support.”
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, Dominic LeBlanc, also gave a speech reflecting on Queen Elizabeth II’s death at the ceremony.
“As Queen of Canada for 70 years, Her Majesty accompanies Canadians through some of the most defining moments in our country’s history,” said LeBlanc. “Through her reassuring presence, and graceful demeanor, she was an immense source of inspiration and pride for countless Canadians.”
LeBlanc also mentioned that he was touched by King Charles III’s interest in Canada when he visited Rideau Hall 25 years ago.
“We have every confidence that His Majesty will be very much present and involved in the life of our country as was his mother,” said LeBlanc.
In a message from the governor general released shortly after the ceremony, Simon wrote that Canadians’ collective grief is “a reflection of the deep and abiding affection” they had for Queen Elizabeth II and “the very real connection she had with Canada.”
“His Majesty The King ascends at an important time in history for Canada and the Commonwealth,” it reads. “We face many complex challenges, many of which cannot be resolved without global co-operation and dedicated leadership.”
“The Crown has come to reflect our ever-changing country and society, representing and fostering our relationships with each other, with Indigenous peoples and with the international community,” Simon stated.
She added that Canada looks forward to have conversations with King Charles III and the Queen Consort about “reconciliation, diversity and our global well-being.”
The federal government will also roll out a series of events to commemorate the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.
The date of Canada’s national commemoration ceremony for Queen Elizabeth II is yet to be decided.
The State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II will take place at Westminster Abbey on Sept. 19, according to the Royal Family’s website.
King Charles III wishes for a period of Royal Mourning to be observed from now until seven days after The Queen’s Funeral, the website states.
Trudeau is also expected to attend the state funeral in London.
— With files from The Canadian Press