‘This photograph was taken in the Music Room of Buckingham Palace to mark the Centennial of Canadian Confederation in 1967.’ (Karsh)

The British North America Act, which was proclaimed on 1 July 1867, formed the basis for the creation of the modern state of Canada. In 1967 a giant birthday party on Parliament Hill in Ottawa was attended by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip to celebrate the centenary of confederation. In 1982 the British North America Act was replaced by a new constitution for the government of Canada. Queen Elizabeth II visited Parliament Hill to proclaim the document. This completed the transfer of constitutional powers from Great Britain to Canada.