The Canadian monarchy is a system of government in which a hereditary monarch is the sovereign of Canada, holding the position of head of state; the incumbent is Elizabeth II, officially called Queen of Canada (French: Reine du Canada), who has reigned since February 6, 1952. The heir apparent is Elizabeth's eldest son, Prince Charles... Most of the Queen's powers in Canada are exercised by the Governor General, presently Michaëlle Jean, though the monarch does hold several powers that are hers alone. The Governor General, who maintains direct contact with the monarch,[3] is sometimes referred to as Canada's de facto head of state.[4]