Queen Elizabeth, Canada’s head of state and the longest-reigning British monarch, has died. She was 96.
She died peacefully on Thursday afternoon at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, Buckingham Palace said in a short statement.
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“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow,” the palace said, in reference to the Queen’s son Charles, who automatically became king upon her death, and his wife, Camilla.
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What does this mean for Canada?
What happens to our money?
Will King Charles be on our money? This one isn’t automatic. There’s no rule that our money needs a monarch on it.
Will The Queen’s name and image have to be replaced?
Because the Queen’s name, image, and title are used on a daily basis, on everything from stamps and legal contracts to citizenship oaths and passports, governments will have to stop that “as quickly as possible. Other places where wording changes can be expected are on the headings of government documents and the names of some military regiments.
Will there be a Mourning Period in Canada?
Yes. In Canada there will likely be several days of mourning. Trudeau announced on Thursday the “coming days will be a period of mourning for Canadians, as it will be for all Commonwealth citizens.” The prime minister said this period will end with a national day of mourning when a commemorative service is held to mark her passing. Because it’s been seven decades since the last death of a monarch, some of the past rituals may be modernized for the Queen’s passing, but expect a similar chain of events similar to what happened with the 2021 death of Prince Philip, on a much grander scale.
During this time, public events or ceremonies involving government officials may be postponed. All Canadian flags will be flown at half-mast on all federal buildings and establishments in Canada and abroad, including the Peace Tower, from the time of notification of death until sunset on the day of the funeral or the memorial service.
The House of Commons has also announced plans to illuminate the Peace Tower in royal blue, and the royal cypher will be projected from sunset until midnight, throughout the mourning period.
Expect to also see books of condolences placed in legislative buildings across the country. Rideau Hall has already installed one that will be open to the public.
The federal government has made available an online condolence book for Canadians to sign from anywhere, and are also offering options to share condolences privately.
Will Canada stay in the Common Wealth ?
This one is unknown. Only time will tell.
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