Canadian MPs sing 'God Save the King' after killing bill that would have made oath to Charles optional

This vote marked a victory for monarchists eager to maintain the Crown's relevance in Canada.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet and most MPs voted against the private member's bill.

However, Bloc Québécois and many NDP MPs voted in favour of legislation that would have diminished Charles's role in Parliament.

The final result was 113-197, meaning Canada's Constitution will remain as it was originally written.

Section 128 requires that every new parliamentarian swear they will be "faithful and bear true allegiance" to the reigning monarch.

Under Canada's constitution, an MP cannot legally assume their seat until they have taken that oath.

C-347, introduced by New Brunswick Liberal MP René Arseneault, would have allowed MPs and senators to swear an "oath of office".

The stripped-down oath would have instead said: "In the best interest of Canada while upholding its Constitution."

The bill's defeat was met with major applause from monarchist MPs who spontaneously started singing God Save the King.

Speaker Greg Fergus shouted "Order" as MPs ignored his calls for quiet in the chamber.

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Meanwhile, Canada's republicans welcomed the bill as they view the monarchy as an outdated institution.

Pierre Vincent from Citizens for a Canadian Republic told CBC News that Arseneault's bill would do away with an oath that violates free speech.

Polls suggest that Canada is split on whether to cut ties with the monarchy, with 56 per cent voting against the institution last year.

However, Prime Minister Trudeau has said there is no appetite for a constitutional battle on King Charles.