WATCH — Why Canada has a Royal Family and a King

Canada’s constitutional monarchy explained

Every week, CBC Kids News takes a deep dive into a topic that everyone’s talking about. Click the video above or below for this week’s KN Explains.

With the recent death of Queen Elizabeth, Canada has a new monarch, King Charles.

Today the new King is back in the news after officials announced the date that he will officially accept his crown: May 6.

This has some people in Canada asking questions about Canada’s ties to the monarchy.

Canada is a constitutional monarchy.

We’re an independent country and we elect our prime minister, but the King is our monarch and head of state.

That’s because Canada used to be a colony of the British Empire, and transitioned to an independent realm of the Commonwealth.

Canada, and all realms of the Commonwealth, have the monarch as their head of state.

Yikes. There’s a lot to unbox here. But don’t worry, we’ve got you. KN Explains:

Have Your Say

This week’s question is all about the monarch and Canada. Share your thoughts on our ties to the King below:

You can read the answers to last week’s question here.

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TOP IMAGE CREDIT: Daniel Leal/AFP/Getty Images with graphic design by Philip Street/CBC