Today marked a historic moment at Government House. The Lieutenant Governor, Premier, members of the Executive Council and Chief Justice, Indigenous leaders, and representatives from the Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police gathered for the Accession Proclamation Ceremony. 

The Accession Proclamation was issued under the Great Seal of the Province and announced the accession of the new Sovereign, King Charles III, King of Canada. A message from the Governor General was also read, which formally announced the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 

The Premier and the Lieutenant Governor signed the Instrument of Advice, followed by a signing of the Proclamation by the Provincial Secretary and the Lieutenant Governor. After the Accession Proclamation was read in full, all gathered sang the Royal Anthem, God Save The King. The ceremony ended as the Lieutenant Governor proposed the Loyal Toast to The King of Canada. 

Their Honours would like to thank Elder Marlene Companion for performing a traditional Mi’kmaq smudging, Reverend Dr. Rhonda Britton for offering a prayer, and the Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy for performing the Royal Anthem. 

Accession Proclamation Ceremonies are steeped in historic significance, as they have been held in Nova Scotia since the accession of George III in 1760. The province also has the oldest continuous history of holding Proclamation Ceremonies in the Commonwealth outside of the United Kingdom. 

Earlier this afternoon in Ottawa, the King’s Privy Council for Canada met and an Accession Proclamation was issued in the name of His Majesty The King, by the Governor General, under the Great Seal of Canada. 

To view or download event photos, please visit the Lieutenant Governor's Flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/photos/lieutenantgovernor/albums