The Potential Appointment of Prince Harry as Canada’s Governor General

Recently, a question has arisen about the possibility of Queen Elizabeth appointing Prince Harry as Canada's Governor General. This article aims to clarify the constitutional and practical aspects of the role and the likelihood of such an appointment.

Role of the Governor General in Canada

It is important to understand that the Queen does not have the power to 'decree' who the Governor General will be. This is a constitutional role, and the Canadian Prime Minister makes the final decision about the appointment. The Queen's role in this process is largely ceremonial. The Prime Minister advises the Queen on who to appoint, and the Queen then officially makes the appointment.

The Role of the Prime Minister

The Prime Minister of Canada serves as the constitutional head of state and advisors to the Queen. The Prime Minister recommends a candidate, typically someone with roots in Canada, to the Queen. Since 1952, this role has been filled by a Canadian citizen. Recent history has shown that the person appointed is an influential figure in Canadian society, respected and well-liked.

Current Controversy and Cultural Sensitivities

Prince Harry’s involvement in this debate raises several concerns. There are significant cultural and political sensitivities associated with such an appointment. For instance, people in Quebec may react poorly to the idea, given the strong francophone and nationalist sentiment there. Additionally, the Globe and Mail, one of Canada’s leading newspapers, would likely raise objections if such a move were to be attempted.

Practical Considerations

While the Queen technically has the ability to appoint anyone, in practice, the appointment is made after recommendation by the Prime Minister. Additionally, the tradition since the 1950s has been to appoint a Canadian citizen as Governor General. Prince Harry currently does not hold Canadian citizenship, although there are ways to resolve this issue, such as by applying for citizenship or receiving honorary citizenship.

Public Sentiment

A public opinion poll suggests that 60% of Canadians support the idea of Prince Harry becoming the Governor General. However, this view is not shared by all, especially in provinces where provincial identity and culture are strong.

Future Prospects

Given the close relationship Prince Harry has with his brother, Prince William, it is plausible that William could become the next Governor General. This would depend on several factors, including the timing of William's succession to the throne and the willingness of both William and the Canadian Prime Minister to consider such a move.

Ultimately, the decision whether or not to appoint Prince Harry as Governor General is complex and involves numerous factors, including political, cultural, and personal preferences. At this stage, it seems unlikely that such an appointment will happen in the near future, given the public and political sensitivities involved.