By Stephen Weir

No, King Charles III didn’t come to Toronto to give the retired NBA Star Jamaal Magloire his new medal (the Caribbean Camera asked on Instagram) the task was left up to the Governor General’s office to deliver the new King Charles III Coronation Medal into his massive hands.

The King Charles III Coronation Medal is made of a nickel-silver alloy and manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint.The medal program was first announced three days before the Royal Coronation, on 3 May 2023, by Prime Minister Trudeau.

In May of this year the medals began to be presented by Rideau Hall. Jaamal is one of the first of 30,000 Canadians, including 4,000 members of the military that will receive the award in the Coronation year. In England a British version of the medal is being presented to over 400,000 British citizens as well a few thousand in Australia.

The King Charles III Coronation Medals are commemorative medals created to mark the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, which took place on 6 May 2023.

In Canada, the medal is presented to persons who made a significant contribution to this country or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or have made significant contributions abroad that brings credit to Canada.

In announcing that Magloire had been chosen to receive the Royal honour, his basketball prowess, his commitment to Toronto Caribbean Carnival and most importantly his dedication to giving back and supporting his community were highlighted.

“I am deeply honoured to have received the King Charles III Coronation Medal. It’s truly a privilege to be recognized for contributing to Canada’s communities alongside these incredible individuals.”