OTTAWA: Dignitaries and monarchy enthusiasts gathered in Ottawa on Saturday to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III with a relaxed and cultural celebration.
While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended the coronation in London, nearly 300 officials, military leaders, and other attendees participated in an hour-long ceremony at a hall near Parliament, culminating in a 21-gun salute.
In various parts of Canada, some supporters organized viewing parties to mark the occasion, although overall interest appeared to be subdued. A solitary protester in Ottawa held a sign advocating for the abolition of the monarchy, echoing the sentiments of two-thirds of Canadians surveyed in a recent Abacus Data poll.
The ceremony began with Algonquin storyteller Albert Dumont recounting how the “power of the British sword destroyed the tranquility of gentle Turtle Island,” using an Indigenous term for North America prior to colonization. Dumont welcomed the new king as a symbol of a “new dawn” that promises to strengthen the human relationship between the monarchy and all peoples of the Commonwealth.
The event featured a vibrant performance by a traditional Indigenous drum circle and lively Canadian folk music, with the audience clapping and tapping their feet in rhythm. Additionally, new Canadian coins and stamps were unveiled, adorned with the likeness of the king and royal symbols.
Prominent guests at the ceremony included aerospace engineer Farah Alibay, known for her work on Mars rover missions, and poet Sabrina Benaim, who spoke about the “coronation of possibility” and shed light on social issues, including the global transition away from fossil fuels.
King Charles III coronation celebrations
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc affirmed that the king’s values resonate with the majority of Canadians, citing his longstanding commitment to nature conservancy, protecting the climate, and preserving historical architecture and global heritage.
LeBlanc also mentioned that the king is expected to visit Canada for the 19th time in the coming months, providing an opportunity to continue discussions on reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, a topic he previously emphasized as “vital” during his visit in May 2022.
While Indigenous peoples make up five percent of Canada’s population, LeBlanc stressed that the monarchy remains an integral part of the country’s institutions and identity, with no plans to abandon it. He emphasized that Canadians prioritize daily life issues and expect their government to focus on those matters rather than engaging in divisive discussions about the monarchy.
Protester Alexandria Xavier Phillips, however, remained firm in advocating for the abolition of the monarchy, stating that it is outdated and incompatible with democracy, despite acknowledging his respect for Queen Elizabeth and his belief in King Charles as a “nice man.”
The celebrations in Ottawa served as a moment to recognize the coronation of King Charles III and reflect on the role of the monarchy in Canada’s past, present, and future.
