The Canadian Royal Crown is a heraldic emblem and not a physical object. Its design was approved in April 2023 by His Majesty The King. The Royal Crown is an important symbol of the Sovereign’s authority, the Canadian monarchy, and the State acting in the Sovereign’s name. This new version shares many features with other heraldic versions of the Royal Crown, but also incorporates elements emphasizing the Canadian identity of the monarchy. At the request of the Government of Canada, the Canadian Royal Crown was designed by the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Symbolism
The structure of the crown, with its gold arches set with pearls, follows that of previous heraldic versions of the Royal Crown. The red cap lined in ermine fur is also found in these crowns.
The maple leaves are a quintessential Canadian symbol used since the 19th century to represent Canada and all its peoples. The stylized snowflake is a reference to Canada being a northern realm. It also makes a direct connection with the insignia of the Order of Canada, of which The King is the Sovereign.
The upper edge of the rim symbolizes the mountain ranges and valleys of Canada’s landscapes. The wavy blue band alludes to the country’s many lakes and rivers, as well as its three ocean borders. Together, they emphasize the importance of the environment to Canadians and connect to Indigenous teachings about the idea of harmony between the land and its inhabitants.
For more information on new Royal emblems as well as His Majesty’s coronation, visit the Department of Canadian Heritage website.
Use of the Royal Crown
The Royal Crown is a restricted emblem; special permission must be obtained for its use. In general, it may be used within emblems of sovereignty (such as Royal cyphers and the coats of arms of the country, provinces and territories), honours insignia, badges of the Canadian Armed Forces and of law enforcement bodies, and the heraldic emblems of entities with significant ties to the monarchy.
Permission for use
Each new use of the Royal Crown, whether on its own or as part of another emblem, requires the permission of His Majesty The King. The granting of such permission is thus a very special honour that indicates a close association with the Sovereign.
The Canadian Armed Forces include the Royal Crown in certain rank insignia. Viceregal offices historically use it in particular contexts.
Public law enforcement agencies, departments and agencies of the federal, provincial and territorial governments, and certain Canadian organizations (such as associations, societies, educational institutions, etc.) that have a close, direct and verifiable association with the Sovereign may seek permission to use the Royal Crown as part of their granted heraldic emblems.
The Royal Crown is also used for commemoration purposes. With the permission of His Majesty, it can be placed on various objects such as commemorative plaques, stamps, portraits and stained glass windows.
His Majesty The King personally approves each new use of the Royal Crown. Recommendations for approval are sent to The King by the governor general, on the advice of the chief herald of Canada and the Canadian secretary to The King.
His Majesty also approves the inclusion of the Royal Crown as part of heraldic emblems (coats of arms, flags and badges) granted by the chief herald of Canada. The requests related to heraldic emblems are sent to His Majesty by the governor general, on the advice of the chief herald, and are accompanied by the proposed design of the emblem.
Existing emblems bearing the previous design of the Royal Crown
There is no requirement to change existing emblems that include the Royal Crown. However, organizations with such emblems may choose to incorporate the new Canadian Royal Crown when commissioning a revised rendition of their emblem.
Changes to symbols of sovereignty (such as the Arms of Canada) and to official insignia will likely take place over the coming years; however, this will be a gradual process. Existing versions of the emblems will remain valid and in use until they require replacement.
Request for permission
In Canada, requests for permission to include the Royal Crown should be sent to the chief herald of Canada. The request must include a description and history of the petitioner, the purpose of the proposed emblem and how it will be used, the reasons for the inclusion of the Royal Crown, and a draft design, if possible. Submissions and/or requests for more information must be addressed to:
Chief Herald of Canada
Canadian Heraldic Authority
1 Sussex Drive
Ottawa ON K1A 0A1
armorial@gg.ca