The Queen has a unique relationship with Canada, entirely separate from her role as Queen of the United Kingdom or any of her other realms.
As in all her realms, The Queen of Canada is a constitutional monarch, acting entirely on the advice of Canadian Government ministers. She is fully briefed by means of regular communications from her ministers, and has face-to-face audiences with them where possible.
The Queen personifies the state and is the personal symbol of allegiance, unity and authority for all Canadians. Legislators, ministers, public services and members of the military and police all swear allegiance to The Queen. Elections are called and laws are promulgated in The Queen's name.
The Queen is represented in Canada on a day-to-day basis by a Governor-General. He or she is appointed by The Queen on the advice of the ministers of Canada and is completely independent of the British Government.
By granting honours, Canada pays tribute to outstanding people. The Governor-General, representing The Queen as the fount of the Canadian honours system, presents a variety of orders, decorations and medals, headed by the Order of Canada.
Both The Queen and the Governor-General send anniversary messages to individuals celebrating notable birthdays or anniversaries.
The Governor-General also promotes national identity and unity, meeting Canadians from all walks of life at the annual Garden Party and New Year's Levee and participating in national ceremonies such as Canada Day and Remembrance Day.
Even though many duties have to be delegated to the Governor-General, The Queen herself has a very personal involvement with Canada and with Canadians.
One form of involvement is support for the work of Canadian charities and public organisations. The Queen's patronages include the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Nurses' Association, the Canadian Red Cross Society, the Royal Canadian Humane Association, and Save the Children - Canada.
The Queen retains a special relationship with the Canadian Forces, acting as Colonel-in-Chief of various regiments: the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery; the King's Own Calgary Regiment; Le Royal 22e Régiment; the Governor-General's Foot Guards; the Governor-General's Horse Guards; The Canadian Grenadier Guards; Le Régiment de la Chaudière; the Calgary Highlanders; The Royal New Brunswick Regiment; 48thHighlanders of Canada; The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada; Royal Canadian Air Force Auxiliary; Canadian Forces Military Engineers Branch; and the Air Reserve.
While resident in the United Kingdom, The Queen honours Canadian achievements - for example, hosting a reception for Canadian achievers at Buckingham Palace in 2005.
Finally, through regular visits to Canada, The Queen meets as many people as possible, in every region, community, culture and area of Canadian life.
The Queen of Canada's Royal style and title is Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories, Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.
