The Viceregal Salute

The Viceregal Salute or Salute to the Governor General is a musical greeting and a mark of respect. It is performed officially in Canada in the presence of the governor general.

The Viceregal Salute is composed of the first six bars of the Royal Anthem, "God Save The King", followed by a short version (the first four and the last four bars) of the National Anthem, "O Canada". The same format is used for lieutenant governors of the Provinces.

The Viceregal Salute was approved by Queen Elizabeth II in 1968.

When the governor general makes an official visit abroad, "O Canada" is played as the musical salute.