In Italy, a Canadian has a ‘very humbling experience’ meeting with King Charles

King Charles III’s recent visit to Ravenna, Italy, where he commemorated the 80th anniversary of the area’s liberation during the Second World War, left a lasting impact on Maj. Casey Anderson. Anderson, a military intelligence officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, had the opportunity to chat briefly with the King and receive a King’s Coronation Medal from him during the visit.

Reflecting on his conversation with King Charles, Anderson felt there was something he didn’t get a chance to say. He shared that his grandfather was wounded while liberating the city of Ravenna during the war, a detail that he wished he could have mentioned to the King. Despite this missed opportunity, Anderson described the experience as “cathartic” and “profoundly important” in his military career and life as a proud Canadian.

The King’s Coronation Medal, created to mark Charles’s coronation on May 6, 2023, is being awarded to Canadians who have made significant contributions to their communities, provinces, territories, or country. Anderson was chosen to receive the medal for his research and advocacy to preserve the legacy of the Canadian Corps Cyclist Battalion, a First World War forerunner of the CAF’s current military intelligence branch.

While the medal was originally intended to be presented to Anderson in Ottawa, logistical challenges led to him receiving it in Italy during King Charles’s visit. Despite the unusual circumstances, Anderson described the moment as “surreal” and “humbling,” highlighting the King’s graciousness and charm during their brief interaction.

The King’s visit to Canada this week also coincided with a boost in his popularity, according to public opinion polls. After assuming the throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth in 2022, there was initially talk of embracing republicanism and doing away with the Crown. However, recent polls suggest a resurgence of support for the monarchy in Canada, with more people holding a positive view of King Charles.

Overall, Maj. Casey Anderson’s experience in receiving the King’s Coronation Medal from King Charles III in Italy serves as a reminder of the enduring ties between Canada and the Crown. As the King continues to navigate his role on the global stage, his ability to connect with people and promote service to communities is recognized and appreciated by Canadians across the country.