The King is the head of state of Canada – Here’s what to knowpublished at 13:38 British Summer Time

13:38 BST

King Charles wearing a camel coat stood in front of the British flagImage source, Getty Images

Like the UK, Canada is a constitutional monarchy, meaning the King doesn’t govern the country. Instead, he’s a figurehead.

Formally, his role is to “unite Canadians and give a collective sense of belonging” to the country, according to the Canadian government.

His official title is King of Canada.

The Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon, operates as the Crown’s representative in Canada. She oversees the swearing-in of a new prime minister and their cabinet, and grants “royal assent” to new bills, which makes them law.

Despite the King’s limited role in Canadian affairs, he occupies a significant ceremonial place in society. New Canadians citizens, for example, pledge allegiance to the King during their swearing-in ceremony because of his “embodiment” of Canadian values.