King of Spain from 1875, son of Isabella II. He assumed the throne after a period of republican government following his mother's flight and effective abdication in 1868. His rule was peaceful. He ended the civil war started by the Carlists and drafted a constitution, both in 1876.
The maple leaf is a traditional Canadian emblem. Red recalls Canadian lives lost during World War I. White stands for snow. Effective date: 15 February 1965.