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King Charles III will replace his predecessor, the late Queen Elizabeth II, on Canadian coins and $20 bills after he is officially crowned as Canada’s ruler.
The process of creating a new $20 bill is expected to take several years. Today’s Canadian money equivalent to Elizabeth II will remain legal tender.
Canada’s ceremony to mark the coronation of the new King was held in the nation’s capital Saturday morning. The ceremony at the Sir John A. MacDonald building in Ottawa included speeches, musical performances and a 21-gun salute.
CBC coverage of King Charles’ coronation will continue when Canada’s coronation ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. ET.
After some brief introductions, Algonquin poet and spiritual advisor Albert Dumont made a statement outlining the past and future relationship of Indigenous peoples with the Crown.
The trees shake with joy to remember the old days before the power of the English sword destroyed the gentle peace of Turtle Island,” he said. “Today, vows made from afar bring hope that honor will once again circle from where wampum peace and brotherhood held fast … in good spirits.”
Charles meet with indigenous leaders earlier this week who said they hope the meeting marks the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between the Crown and Indigenous people.
Dumont’s statement was followed by an Algonquin drum circle performance by the Eagle River Singers. Other musical performances from the ceremony included Quebec’s Florence K and PEI’s Inn Echo.
New coins, stamps depicting King Charles
The Royal Canadian Mint will unveil a new set of collector’s coins to mark the occasion. In addition, Canada Post unveiled a stamp depicting King Charles, continuing a more than 170-year tradition of issuing postage stamps with the face of Canada’s sovereign.
Procurement Minister Helena Jaczek, who is responsible for Canada Post, said unveiling the new stamps is “a great way to commemorate a historic moment.”
“The coronation is an important event for Canadians and people across the Commonwealth,” he said. “It’s only fitting that it’s celebrated on Canadian stamps, continuing a long-standing tradition.”
Provincial and territorial ceremonies will also be held by Canada’s lieutenant governors and territorial commissioners.
Charles, the man who waited nearly 74 years to become King, was crowned Saturday at Westminster Abbey with all the pomp and pageantry that England can muster.
Shouts of “God save the King” and trumpets blared in the abbey after Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby laid the Crown of St. Edward on the queen’s head.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General Mary Simon were among those who attended the ceremony.
“As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us remember the value of inclusivity, diversity, and respect for human rights as we work together to build a better future for all members of the Commonwealth,” Trudeau said in a statement.
Simon also released a statement on Saturday, saying it was a “huge honour” to witness the coronation.
“Seventy years have passed since the last Coronation, giving us the opportunity to reflect on everything that has changed in our country, the Commonwealth and the world around us,” said Simon.
“While the Crown has also evolved over this time, it continues to be an anchor for a strong and stable democracy and a diverse country.”
Charles has vowed to rule the people of England with “justice and mercy” and to build an environment where people of all religions and beliefs can live freely. The oath is the second of five elements of the historic coronation rite that is based on more than 1,000 years of tradition.
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