The Trudeau government is set to replace Christian and religious symbols on the crown adorning Canada’s Royal Coat of Arms with snowflakes, stars and maple leaves, on the eve of Charles III’s coronation.
As reported by the National Post’s John Ivison, the new, but yet to be officially unveiled, “Trudeau Crown” is already facing criticism, with Liberals being accused of politicizing the symbol.
Sources who have seen the Canadian Heraldic Authority’s new design say the St. Edward’s Cross, which has been part of the Royal Coat of Arms of Canada since 1957, has been removed. The fleur-de-lis has also been replaced with secular objects.
Author and historian Christopher McCreery told the National Post “the proposed Canadian crown is totally unconnected to the King or the coronation, and it means the unity of the symbol of the Royal Crown that represents the sovereign throughout the realms will be broken, further distancing the King and the monarchy as an institution.”
“In essence, it is akin to a new national flag being raised on Canada Day, with no consultation or debate, developed in secret by those who wish to advance their personal vision of the country,” McCreery said.
Last year, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III would adopt the Tudor Crown instead of using the St. Edward’s Crown worn by his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
According to Ivison, the change of crown gave the Canadian government the opportunity to modify the Royal Coat of Arms and invent a “Canadian Crown”.
While changes to the Coat of Arms will need to be approved by King Charles III, it is unlikely that they will be rejected.
Canada’s Royal Coat of Arms was first adopted in 1921, and has seen few changes since.
The crown was switched from the Tudor to the St. Edward’s in 1957 following the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The Latin inscription “Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam” (Desiring a better country) was then added by the Jean Chrétien Liberals in 1995. The latter was also the subject of controversy.
The Government of Canada did not return True North’s request for comment.
The coronation of King Charles III takes place on May 6 in London. A timetable of the event can be found here.
