His Majesty Charles III, King of Canada

London, 13 April 2023

A new exhibition about His Majesty King Charles III and his deep connections to Canada opens today at Canada Gallery on Trafalgar Square. This exhibition was developed by the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom in partnership with Library and Archives Canada.

The upcoming Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III marks a new chapter in Canada’s history. To celebrate this occasion, the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom has developed a new exhibition in partnership with Library and Archives Canada, highlighting His Majesty’s deep relationship with Canada and Canadians throughout his life – from childhood to the present. The exhibition presents the public with a unique opportunity to participate in Coronation celebrations by visiting our dedicated gallery space in the heart of London.

The exhibition consists of 70 items, including never-before-exhibited materials drawn from the extraordinary and diverse collections at Library and Archives Canada and other federal government entities, an audio clip of an interview with Canadian author Margaret Atwood (courtesy of the BBC), and two chattels from the Royal Collection Trust loaned with kind permission of His Majesty The King. The selection illustrates His Majesty’s interests in inspiring and empowering youth, preserving the environment, and advancing reconciliation between the Crown and Indigenous Peoples.

Canada Gallery is open from Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 5:45 pm. The exhibition is accessible to the public until Saturday, 3 June 2023. Details of special free guided tours will be announced shortly on the High Commission’s social media channels – pre-booking will be essential.

For more information on what is happening in the UK during the Coronation, follow #Coronation, #CoronationWeekend and #KingOfCanada on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Click to learn more about the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom.

Quotes

“The High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom is proud to present this special exhibition in its Canada Gallery, developed in partnership with Library and Archives Canada on the occasion of the upcoming coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. His Majesty has a very special relationship with Canada and Canadians, and his commitment to the Commonwealth is steadfast. As we mark this new chapter for our country, at home and abroad, I look forward to welcoming many visitors to our dedicated gallery space in the heart of London.”

— The Hon. Ralph E. Goodale PC, High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom

“Library and Archives Canada is thrilled to contribute to the celebrations surrounding the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. This is an amazing opportunity to highlight a new chapter in Canada’s history by sharing our collections with visitors to Canada Gallery, building a bridge between our past and our present. The collaboration with the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom allows Library and Archives Canada to share our collections on the international stage, pique the curiosity of people from everywhere and invite everyone to discover these rich moments in Canada’s history.”

— Leslie Weir, Librarian and Archivist of Canada

Quick Facts

Canada is a constitutional monarchy, and The King is Canada’s Head of State.

His Majesty King Charles III acceded to the Throne on 8 September 2022, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

His Majesty and the Queen Consort, then Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, last visited Canada in 2022 as part of a three-day Royal Tour, with stops in Newfoundland and Labrador, the National Capital Region, and the Northwest Territories, to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, marking the 70th anniversary of her accession to the Throne.

His Majesty’s coronation in the United Kingdom will take place at Westminster Abbey, in London, on 6 May 2023. The Canadian delegation attending the Coronation Service will be announced shortly.