The reigning British monarch is Canada鈥檚 legal head of state. The governor general is the acting, or de facto, head of state.
The monarch is a member of the House of Windsor, a聽family believed to have been chosen by God to rule the United Kingdom and various other countries. When the current monarch dies or resigns, the oldest son or daughter of the monarch usually takes over. Further details are spelled out in the聽. See also the current .
Men who held the modern-day office of Governor General of Canada聽during the period in which they were British aristocrats聽appointed by the British government. For British governors of Canada before 1867, see the data chapter on colonial rulers of Canada.
Men and women who have held the office of Governor General of Canada since it began being filled by Canadian citizens appointed by the Prime Minister of Canada.