When Queen Elizabeth passed away on Thursday (09.08.22), the 73-year-old king immediately took the throne, but like in the UK, the accession ceremony in Canada is still an essential component of the constitution.

Charles is now formally the head of state of Canada after the formal ceremony was held on Saturday (09.10.22) in Ottawa.

The ceremony was attended by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General Mary Simon, who represents the British monarch as head of state.

Throughout a 21-run gun salute, “God Save the King” was also performed during the occasion.

In a recent speech, Trudeau, 50, hailed the queen for “a lifetime of devotion.”

In a statement following her death, the prime minister said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“For most Canadians, we have known no other Sovereign. Queen Elizabeth II was a constant presence in our lives. Time and again, Her Majesty marked Canada’s modern history. Over the course of 70 years and twenty-three Royal Tours, Queen Elizabeth II saw this country from coast to coast to coast and was there for our major, historical milestones.

“She would proclaim ‘it was good to be home’ when returning to her beloved Canada. She was indeed at home here, and Canadians never ceased to return her affection.

“Her Majesty vowed to devote her life to the service of the Commonwealth and its people. On behalf of all Canadians, I thank Queen Elizabeth II for honoring this vow and for a lifetime of service.”

Trudeau also revealed that he’ll always cherish her “wisdom, compassion, and warmth”.

He added: “I know Her Majesty’s service to Canada and Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.”