Message from the Governor General of Canada on the Occasion of the Sapphire Jubilee of The Queen’s Accession to the Throne

The Royal Mint has commissioned a range of specially designed Sapphire Jubilee commemorative coins to mark the 65th anniversary of The Queen's accession to the throne.

On 6th February Queen Elizabeth became the first Anglosaxon monarch to mark her Sapphire Anniversary, marking 65 years on the throne. Two very different messages were published by Her Australian and Canadian Governors-General.

The Governor General of Canada His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D., published the following message on the Occasion of the Sapphire Jubilee of The Queen’s Accession to the Throne:

On behalf of all Canadians, I am delighted to convey warm greetings to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and to all the people of the Commonwealth on the historic occasion of the Sapphire Jubilee of her accession to the throne. 
Throughout The Queen’s reign, she has inspired the world, demonstrating constant  dedication to duty and service to others. This impressive milestone, the first for any sovereign in our history, provides us with an opportunity to express our deepest gratitude for everything Her Majesty has done for the Canadian Crown.
I am honoured to add my voice to the chorus of heartfelt words of congratulations to Her Majesty The Queen from around the globe.

Et en français:

Au nom de tous les Canadiens et Canadiennes, je suis heureux de saluer chaleureusement Sa Majesté la Reine Elizabeth II et tous les citoyens du Commonwealth en cette occasion historique du Jubilé de saphir de l’accession au trône de la Reine. 
Tout au long de son règne, la Reine a inspiré le monde, accomplissant son devoir et se  mettant au service des autres avec un dévouement indéfectible. Ce jalon impressionnant,  atteint pour la première fois dans l’histoire par un souverain, nous donne l’occasion d’exprimer notre gratitude la plus profonde envers la Reine pour tout ce qu’elle a fait pour la Couronne canadienne.
Je suis honoré d’unir ma voix au concert de félicitations sincères exprimées à travers  le monde à la Reine.

The Governor-General of Australia His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) published this on Facebook (not on his website):

Today we acknowledge Her Majesty The Queen's Sapphire Jubilee - 65 years as our Sovereign - and we send Her the nation's best wishes.

Poor Australia, could only afford a simple sentence to mark the sovereign's milestone jubilee. Really a symbol for the shabby behaviour we all are watching in Canberra at the moment.

By the way, Her Majesty's Governor of Victoria does not mention at all the Sapphire Jubilee on the website, but on 6th February had this news item on her Twitter account. 

Prince Charles and Priness Anne newly appointed Commodores-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Navy

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence, today announced that His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) have been appointed as Commodores-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada. This is the first time in history that members of the Royal Family have been appointed as Commodores-in-Chief of the RCN. The announcement of the appointments coincides with the RCN’s commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the end of the Battle of the Atlantic, one of the longest, largest and most complex campaigns of the Second World War.

The appointments will see The Prince of Wales becoming Commodore-in-Chief (Fleet Atlantic) and The Princess Royal becoming Commodore-in-Chief (Fleet Pacific).

The duties associated with the appointments are ceremonial in nature. A Commodore-in-Chief is kept informed of all important activities of their affiliated unit and may engage with the unit in a ceremonial capacity as opportunity allows.

Quick Facts
Commodore-in-Chief is an honorary appointment whose purpose is to maintain a direct link between the unit and the Royal Family. It is bestowed by The Queen on various members of the Royal Family.

The Queen has appointed various members of the Royal Family as Commodores-in-Chief of the British Royal Navy since August 2006.

On 9th April 2007 a monument was re-dedicated to remember the bitter Battle of Vimy Ridge in which more than 3,500 Canadian soldiers died. The Queen of Canada and her Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper were present. Prince Philip wore the uniform of the Air Commodores-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Within the ranks of the Canadian Armed Forces, army regiments have members of the Royal Family serve as Colonels-in-Chief. The Royal Canadian Air Force also has The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh serving as Air Commodores-in-Chief – Air Reserves of Canada and the Royal Canadian Air Cadets respectively. Until today, it was only the RCN that did not share this unique relationship with the Royal Family.

The Prince of Wales (Charles Philip Arthur George) is Colonel-in-Chief to seven Canadian military regiments.

The Princess Royal (Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise) is Colonel-in-Chief of seven Canadian military regiments.

Quotes
“The Royal Family has had a strong relationship with the Royal Canadian Navy since the inception of this proud institution in 1910. I am therefore delighted to welcome the appointments of The Prince of Wales and The Princess Royal as the new Commodores-in-Chief of our Royal Canadian Navy. It is fitting that this honour should be bestowed on the anniversary of the end of the Battle of the Atlantic, during which British and Canadian naval forces fought side by side on the high sea for freedom, peace and democracy.”

Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence

The Queen's message to Her Canadian people

Cpl. Nathan Cirillo (l.) standing Guards moments before the shooting.

The Queen's message to the Governor-General of Canada

Prince Philip and I were shocked and saddened by the events in Ottawa earlier today. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.

ELIZABETH R


Message de Sa Majesté la Reine à la suite de la tragédie survenue à Ottawa

Le prince Philip et moi avons été choqués et attristés par les évènements qui ont eu lieu à Ottawa hier. Nos pensées et prières accompagnent toutes les personnes touchées.

ELIZAETH R.

Cpl Nathan Cirillo's dogs. Such a sad sight.

Cpl. Nathan Cirillo was a member of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, a reserve infantry regiment based at the James Street Armoury in Hamilton, Ontario. Their Colonel-in-Chief is of course, Her Majesty.

Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla in Canada: Itinerary for the 2014 Royal Tour

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will visit three provinces and six communities during their four day visit:

Halifax and Pictou County in Nova Scotia (May 18 and 19)

Charlottetown, Bonshaw, and Cornwall in Prince Edward Island (May 19 and 20)

Winnipeg in Manitoba (May 20 and 21)


Objectives for the Events on the 2014 Royal Tour

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Arrival

Objective:

To welcome the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to Nova Scotia. His Royal Highness last visited the province in 1983. This will be the first visit by Her Royal Highness.


Monday, May 19, 2014

Welcome to Canada - Grand Parade, Halifax

Objectives:

To officially welcome Their Royal Highnesses to Canada and Nova Scotia and allow them to be welcomed by Canadians. The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall have visited Canada together on two previous occasions, in May 2012 and in November 2009. The Prince has visited Canada on 16 previous occasions.

To honour Canadian military service by laying a wreath at the cenotaph (100th anniversary of the Great War and 75th anniversary of the World War II).

To provide His Royal Highness with the opportunity to address Canadians.


Halifax and Region, Military Family Ressource Centre

Objectives:

To highlight the outstanding programs and services of the Military Family Resource Centre, which works to promote the health and social well-being of individuals, families and communities who share the unique experience of military life.

To highlight the ongoing role of our service men and women and support given by their families to them.

To showcase the excellent work being done by the Military Family Resource Centre’s “Entrepreneurs Club” and demonstrate the synergies between this and The Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur, a program run by the Prince’s Charities Canada.


Halifax Seaport, Farmer's Market

Objectives:

To tour this state-of-the-art market, which was built green because of the farmers and Cooperative members’ commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

To introduce Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to the local farmers, vendors and artisans who have been making the Seaport Farmers’ Market a success since 1750.


Halifax, Public Gardens

Objectives:

To tour the classical Victorian Garden and to acknowledge it as a gem in the life of the city and all its citizens.
To commemorate the 2014 Tour of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall by planting a tree adjacent to the oak tree planted by King George VI in June 1939.

To recognize the efforts of volunteers and partners who have helped maintain and restore this Halifax landmark.


Canadian Immigration Museum at Pier 21

Objectives:

To pay tribute and honour the War Brides and World War II veterans in Nova Scotia for whom Pier 21 remains an important part of their past (as the primary departure point for almost half a million Canadian military personnel during World War II).

To showcase Canada’s National Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, which welcomed approximately one million immigrants to Canada between 1928 and 1971.


Alice Housing, (Northbrook Community Centre)

Objectives:

To celebrate, acknowledge and cast a light on the success of the programs and support that Alice Housing provides for women and families.

To recognize the outstanding contributions of community partners and volunteers to Alice Housing.
To meet and interact with some of the families who have benefitted from the programs and services of Alice Housing.


Arrival Trenton Airport, Pictou County, Nova Scotia

Objective:

To welcome the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to Pictou County, Nova Scotia.


The Hector Heritage Quay: A celebration of Celtic Heritage

Objectives:

To highlight the Celtic culture of Pictou County and Nova Scotia. The arrival of Scottish immigrants in the late 18th and early 19th centuries to the county. ultimately contributed to early nation building in Nova Scotia and Canada.

To acknowledge past, present and future contributions of Scottish Canadians in broad and oftentimes colourful ways.

To introduce Their Royal Highnesses to local farmers, artisans and entertainers.


Departure Trenton Airport

Objectives:

To thank Their Royal Highnesses for visiting Nova Scotia.

To formally bid farewell to Their Royal Highnesses as they depart from Nova Scotia and embark on their journey to Prince Edward Island as part of their tour of Canada.


Arrival at Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Objective:

To welcome Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to Charlottetown—the Birthplace of Confederation. His Royal Highness last visited in 1983. This will be Her Royal Highness’s first visit.


Victoria Day Celebration

Objectives:

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference, which paved the way to Canadian Confederation.

To celebrate Victoria Day with Canadians and to commemorate the past through multicultural musical and theatrical performances, showcasing the artistic talent of Prince Edward Island and Canada, and to celebrate the future by highlighting the cultural vitality of our communities.


Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Province House, Youth Parliament

Objectives:

To celebrate the important role that Province House, the second oldest active legislature building in Canada, had in the Charlottetown Conference, which paved the way to the creation of our great nation.

To recognize the positive contributions Canadian young people are making towards strengthening Canada and to encourage more young people to consider their role/responsibility in the future building of our country.

To encourage all Island young people to continue to work diligently to attain their goals and aspirations in the future building of our country.


Holland College, Prince of Wales Campus

Objectives:

To showcase one of Prince Edward Island’s renowned educational institutions, known for its innovative and industry-driven courses for students who enjoy hands-on learning.

To highlight Holland College’s role in supporting sustainable urban development and preserving the heritage of Prince Edward Island – both issues are of personal interest to His Royal Highness (including by highlighting the environmental sustainability of the Centre for Applied Science Technology (CAST) building).

To allow His Royal Highness to interact with industry leaders and students as they highlight the achievements of students, as well as the unique and innovative projects offered through Holland College programs.

To officially unveil new signage for the Prince of Wales Campus.


Prince Edward Home

Objectives:

To showcase Canadian achievement at Prince Edward Island’s cutting-edge long-term care facility for seniors, divided into “neighborhoods” to provide a homelike environment.

To allow Her Royal Highness to meet with residents, staff and volunteers who provide compassionate services to seniors and Islanders with complex care needs.

To showcase the various medical interventions and social activities offered at the home, such as pet and art therapy and reading programs.


Canadian Institute of Forestry Meeting

Objective:

To introduce HRH to Jocelyn Teron, the 2013 inaugural winner of the Prince of Wales Award, as well as board members and staff of the Canadian Institute of Forestry, which administers the prize. The discussion will also touch on current and developing partnerships between the CIF and The Duchy of Cornwall.


Bonshaw Provincial Park

Objectives:

To highlight Prince Edward Island’s natural beauty at the Island’s largest provincial park, which promotes healthy active living, interacting with nature and conserving natural resources. His Royal Highness will meet with Earth Rangers and walk along a trail system that will be named after Their Royal Highnesses.

To showcase the skills and accomplishments of Prince Edward Island’s Olympic, Paralympic and Canada Games athletes (benefits of recreational activity and sports).

To recognize the work of the Atlantic Salmon Federation and the Bonshaw Park Advisory Committee in the creation of the new wilderness park.


Cornwall United Church

Objectives:

To honour the achievements of Island seniors who enrich Prince Edward Island communities, including women’s organizations, veterans, community groups and volunteers.

To hear a performance by a choir made up of singers from local churches.

To highlight the work of Island groups as Their Royal Highnesses visit displays by the Women’s Institute, the Military Museum, the Pony Club, and the Scouts and Guides of P.E.I.

To honour rural P.E.I. and meet with Island children from Early Years Centres and after school programs.


Immanuel Christian School

Objective:

The Duchess of Cornwall will meet with students and staff at the school, following a request from the children for a royal visit.


Departure from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Objectives:

To thank Their Royal Highnesses for visiting Prince Edward Island and joining with Islanders in celebrating the 150th anniversary of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference.

To formally bid farewell to Their Royal Highnesses as they depart from Prince Edward Island and embark on their journey to Manitoba as part of their tour of Canada.


Arrival to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canadian Forces Base

Objective:

To welcome Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to Winnipeg, Manitoba. His Royal Highness last visited in 1996. This will be Her Royal Highness’s first visit.


Government House Reception

Objective:

To host a reception honouring Their Royal Highnesses and offer an opportunity to interact with notable Manitobans and other Canadians and to highlight excellence across society in a vast range of endeavours, recognizing those who have made a significant difference to their local communities and the nation.


Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Aerospace and Aviation in Manitoba (Stevenson Hangar)

Objectives:

To provide a unique opportunity to engage with Manitoba elementary school students as they learn about the principles of flight, aircraft maintenance, rockets, satellites and composite materials.

To highlight the unique partnerships between industry and educational stakeholders in Manitoba's aerospace and aviation sectors, as well as the initiatives that exist to encourage young people to consider pursuing education and careers in these fields.

To profile local achievements and excellence in the fields of aerospace and aviation, including an opportunity to meet with the students who developed the first elementary school project from Canada to be taken on board the International Space Station.


Winnie the Pooh Gallery

Objectives:

To celebrate the centennial of Winnie the Bear, the bear cub who inspired the international phenomenon of Winnie the Pooh.

To meet children engaged in work to promote literacy on the subject of Winnie the Bear.


Journey to Churchill (Assiniboine Park Zoo)

Objectives:

To showcase research, education and conservation in action with the dedication of the world-leading Journey to Churchill facility at the Assiniboine Park Zoo.

To provide an up-close and personal opportunity to feed polar bears and view their new three dimensional, four-season environment.

To observe students involved in an educational session on polar bear protection and the importance of conservation and environmental awareness and to meet with Aboriginal artists responsible for works throughout the facilities.


Place Bernadette Poirier

Objectives:

To profile the leading practice model for safe, affordable, integrated and supportive housing for those with mental-health needs and those who have been homeless.

To officially open the new housing complex.

To meet with staff, residents and supporters of the facility and interact with residents in their new home.


Innovation Alley - Assent Works and Ramp up, Manitoba

Objectives:

To highlight the non-profit workshop dedicated to providing hands-on access to fabrication and prototyping equipment, knowledge and a community of support for young entrepreneurs, inventors, artists and innovators.

To meet with successful participants and hear about how they have made a difference in the life of their families and communities as a result of this unique incubator model.

To learn about the key role played by mentors and volunteers.

To provide an opportunity to speak with community and business leaders about the concept and options for expansion.

To offer hope to other young people to explore their dreams through innovation and entrepreneurship.


Meeting with Canadian Business Leaders, Red River College

Objectives:

To introduce His Royal Highness to the Canadian business leaders involved in his Prince’s Seeing is Believing initiative, as well as to those who have benefited from it.

To discuss efforts to expand the national reach and scope of the Prince’s Seeing is Believing activities and impacts.

To give His Royal Highness the opportunity to meet some of the founding corporate partners who are driving these national efforts forward.


Meeting with Canadian Development and Design Community, Prince's Foundation for Building Community, Red River College

Objective:

To discuss the work of Prince’s Foundation for Building Community in transforming lives and building sustainable communities with members of the Canadian development and design community.


Royal Winnipeg Ballet

Objectives:

To celebrate the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s past, present and future as it celebrates its 75th anniversary season.

To visit the Ballet’s impressive costume –making workshop.

To profile community outreach programs that bring dance to at-risk children and adults with varied movement abilities.
 
To provide an opportunity to greet participants, students, company dancers and staff and to view a pas de deux by two of the Ballet’s young professional dancers.


Credit Union

Objective:

To introduce Her Royal Highness to the unique business model of the Assiniboine Credit Union including the innovative programs that have been created to help low-income families and the local organizations that support them in the community.


Queen's Own Rifles of Canada

Objective:

To meet with members of Her Royal Highness’s first Commonwealth Regiment, the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, which she previously met during her visit to Toronto, Ontario, in 2012.


Manitoba Legislative Building and official farewell to Canada

Objectives:

To induct 14 citizens into the Order of Manitoba, recognizing those who have demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field of endeavour benefitting in an outstanding manner the social, cultural or economic well-being of Manitoba and the nation.

To provide His Royal Highness with the opportunity to address Canadians.

To thank and formally bid farewell to Their Royal Highnesses as they depart Manitoba and Canada.


Departure from Canada

Objectives:

To showcase a recently restored 1928 Fokker Super Universal, widely regarded as the most significant “bush plane” in Canadian aviation history, which carries the marking of “The Royal Mail” and is the only plane of this type in the world that still flies.

To provide an opportunity to bid farewell to officials and veterans.

Confused republicans

Some republicans are so confused, that they see republics, where there aren't any, see today's letter to the editor of The Age:

Loving the royals and becoming a republic are not mutually exclusive. The republic of Canada, as a member of the Commonwealth, still gets royal visits. However the Australian republic does seem some time away.

I suppose that, by then, Tony Abbott will have left us for the great monarchy in the sky.

Bronwen Murdoch, South Melbourne

Neither in Canada nor in Australia doe the republicans stand a chance to get what they want. Isn't it interesting, that nobody at The Age spotted the mistake? Or did they share the republicans' wishful thinking?

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall's visit to Canada

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will visit three Canadian provinces, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Manitoba from 18th – 21st May 2014. Their Royal Highnesses will take part in events to mark important anniversaries of historical significance, including the centenary of World War One, and the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference in Prince Edward Island that led to the Confederation of Canada. Their programme will focus on Canadian achievement, commemorating the country's past and celebrating its future.

During the visit, The Prince and The Duchess will tour six communities: Halifax and Pictou County in Nova Scotia (18th and 19th May); Charlottetown, Bonshaw and Cornwall in Prince Edward Island (19th and 20th May) and Winnipeg in Manitoba (20th and 21st May).

Public events during the visit will include an official welcome to Canada and Nova Scotia at the Grand Parade in Halifax on Victoria Day on 19th May, Victoria Day Celebrations and fireworks in Charlottetown on the same day, and visits to Assiniboine Park and Manitoba Legislature on 21st May. Victoria Day is a Canadian public holiday, in honour of Queen Victoria's birthday.

Speaking about the forthcoming visit, Shelley Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages said: "The 2014 Royal Tour of Their Royal Highnesses will not only highlight Canada’s achievements and our shared heritage, but will also look to the future of Canada and how we will continue together to build a country that is the envy of the world.”

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall have visited Canada together on two previous occasions, in May 2012 and in November 2009.

The Prime Minister of Canada on Victoria Day
 

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the occasion of Victoria Day:

“Today, Laureen and I join Canadians from across the country in the official celebration of the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada.

“This joyous day comes as Canada and the Commonwealth celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with several special events and initiatives taking place throughout 2012.

“For six decades, The Queen and the people of Canada have shared a deep affection, and we pay tribute to the great dedication, distinction, and grace with which Her Majesty has served as Canada’s Head of State.

“Canadians are also marking the 60th anniversary of The Queen’s accession to the Throne by hosting Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall during their Diamond Jubilee Tour.

“Victoria Day also affords an opportunity to celebrate our proud heritage and the strong historical ties that have forged our close friendship with the United Kingdom.

 “On behalf of Canadians, I offer Her Majesty The Queen our most sincere and heartfelt wishes of health and happiness for many years to come.”

Media watch
Québec, les Québecois and the Canadian Monarchy

Before the Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge arrived in the Dominion of Canada, the media hoped for trouble in the province of Québec by a republican protest wave.

They grounded their hopes on a well-known quack: Amir Khadir, a Québec Solidaire member of the province’s National Assembly had called the newlywed royal couple “parasites.” Mr. Khadir is known as an outspoken politician, whose remarks have put him in the spotlight before.

Québec’s Minister of Foreign Relations and Minister of La Francophonie, Monique Gagnon-Tremblay, welcomed their visit, which is already garnering the attention of dozens of international journalists seeking accreditation for the tour. She said the province would cover part of the cost of their tour, although she didn’t specify the exact amount. She called the visit a chance to put the belle province on display.

That incensed Mr. Khadir even more, who compared the parading of the royal couple to a “circus” meant to attract tourist.
The Globe and Mail, 31st May 2011

The visit to Montréal on 2nd July and Québec City on 3rd July went ahead and was a huge success.


The worst reported incident arising during the visit of Prince William and Kate on the weekend was a small group of Québec anti-monarchists, numbering between 30 and 100, unfurling a banner calling them royal parasites.

The protesters were overshadowed by scenes of unbridled enthusiasm for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. In Québec City, the heartland of Québec nationalism, William delivered a speech "tout en francais" that was deemed passable, with an improved accent. The attractive young couple went up to the barricades to shake hands and talk to star-struck Québecers who voiced their approval.
Calgary Herald, 5th July 2011

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge kept calm and carried on as they were met by small but loud groups of Québec sovereigntists expressing their disdain for the Crown over the weekend.

Nearly 100 members of the British media are in Canada to cover the royal couple's first official international visit.

They are part of the almost 1,400 journalists accredited to cover the royal visit.
The Canadian Press, 3rd July 2011

It must be exhausting to continually fight the battle of the Plains of Abraham more than 250 years after its formal conclusion, and utterly demoralizing to keep losing it.

The relative handful of demonstrators who tried to disrupt the Montréal and Québec City segments of the royal tour only succeeded in demonstrating that their anti-monarchist sentiments are even less relevant than the monarchy.

The cost of accommodating Prince William and his wife, Kate, is a pittance compared to the international attention a royal tour commands. Travel industry marketers would kill to get that kind of bang for their buck. So the “parasites” argument doesn’t wash, especially coming from fringe characters in North America’s most notorious welfare state.

Then there’s the character of the royals themselves. I had the privilege of meeting William’s father, Prince Charles, and Charles’ wife, Camilla, during their visit to Montréal in 2009, and their easy-going nature, impeccable manners and good humour under constant scrutiny left an unforgettable impression. These are people who are drilled from early childhood in the art of social politesse, and they embrace their position and responsibilities with unfailing grace, which is more than can be said for self-centered athletes, actors, rock stars and famous-for-being-famous celebrities who behave like petulant children when they feel their ”space” is being invaded. (I’ll never forget a story from a friend of a friend who, as a teenager, was waiting outside the Forum to get a famous visiting hockey player’s autograph, and when the team bus showed up, the player brushed past his biggest fan and growled, “F*** off, kid, I haven’t even had breakfast yet.”
Montréal Gazette, 5th July 2011

Anti-monarchist protesters failed to disrupt the visit of Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate to Québec, which was the most politically sensitive portion of their Canadian royal tour.

A group estimated by local reporters at about 200 people used loudspeakers on Sunday to decry the royal family and call for sovereignty for the French-speaking province, but they were kept far away from the couple in Québec City.
Reuters, 4th July 2011

Gary Sims, a staunch monarchist and amateur historian, said the protesters don’t know their history. “If it wasn’t for the British influence in North America, there would be no French at all,” he said, noting that, had the Americans and not the British triumphed in the War of 1812, French-speakers would likely have been assimilated and Quebec as we know it would not exist.
The Globe and Mail, 3rd July 2011

Sunday morning, Montréal very nationalist daily newspaper Le Journal de Montréal, posted 80% of all its pages reserved to the royal couple (the Montréal visit) in a very positive mode, with nice pictures and details. 20% was reserved for the protests, insisting these people are a minority. This morning, Montréal federalist daily newspaper La Presse report explains how Québecers appreciate the visit in Québec city, with minor references to the protests. Now look at english media outside of Québec and their pathetic focus on how these Québec separatists hate the royal couple. The focus to find and interview some Québeckers who dislike the monarchy, etc.... Let me be clear: their is no enthusiasm for the royal family in Québec, and there will never be. But the immense majority of people are polite and have nothing against Kate and William. We are simply nor indifferent or nor charmed by this couple. So now read english national media, and you will see that the coverage of the royal visit in Québec has by far focus on these bad people. English media were so happy to see some Québeckers booing them. These media needs daily doses of Québec bashing to keep alive a part of their audience.
Denis_Montreal, 4th July 2011

Scandal-ridden republics

Canada has a proud royalist tradition, however, this does not exclude that the media try to create scandals were there aren't any. Patricia Treble of MACLEANS.CA looked at the Monarchies in Europe and came to the conclusion: Europe’s monarchies: scandal-ridden but such good fun.

When the term "scandal-ridden" comes up, republics outdo crowned democracies by miles. However, on one point Patricia Treble was fair to Monarchies. She admitted that in the end they do not come more expensive than an uncrowned head of state.

And presidents—the other alternative—aren’t any cheaper, as even the Swedish Republican Association acknowledges. (No country is nutty enough to adopt the U.S. model of combining ceremonial and political leaders into one person, so not having a monarch means having a president.) In June, Germany got a new head of state. Christian Wulff, a state politician in Chancellor Angela Merkel’s party, was elected after three bitterly fought ballots. With the title comes the neoclassical behemoth of Bellevue Palace, the venue of all those state dinners, receptions and official tours. The budget: $40 million.

Of course Patricia Treble - and most other foreign media people - did not cover the latest scandal concerning president Wulff. His meddling in German politics had the daily newspaper Die Welt publish an article under the headline Christian Wulff, das Problem des bürgerlichen Lagers (Christian Wulff, the bourgeois camp's problem, 17th September 2010)

Happy Victoria Day 2010!

Victoria Day is a public holiday observed across Canada on the Monday before May 25th. In 2010, Victoria Day falls on Monday, May 24th.

The Sovereign's birthday has been celebrated in Canada since the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). May 24th, Queen Victoria's birthday, was declared a holiday by the Legislature of the Province of Canada in 1845.

After Confederation, the Queen's birthday was celebrated every year on May 24th unless that date was a Sunday, in which case a proclamation was issued providing for the celebration on May 25th.

An amendment to the Statutes of Canada in 1952 established the celebration of Victoria Day on the Monday preceding May 25th.

From 1953 to 1956, the Queen's birthday was celebrated in Canada on Victoria Day, by proclamation of the Governor General, with Her Majesty's approval. In 1957, Victoria Day was permanently appointed as the Queen's birthday in Canada. In the United Kingdom, the Queen's birthday is celebrated in June.

Victoria Day is always on a Monday, and thus the holiday is part of a long weekend, which is commonly referred to as the Victoria Day Weekend, the May Long Weekend, the May Long, or the May Two-Four (a case of beer there is called a "two-four" and many of these are consumed over the holiday). The weekend is also called the May 24th weekend, although it does not necessarily fall on May 24th.

The Victoria Day Weekend always falls on the weekend before Memorial Day in the U.S.

The Victoria Day Weekend is the first popular weekend for spring / summer travel. Lots of people open up their cottages, plant gardens, or just get away. Expect crowds at resorts and hotels and busy highways. Fireworks displays are common, especially on Monday night.

Found on Flickr: Singing on the Steps of Parliment during the Queen Victoria Day Celebration.

When is Victoria Day?
2010: Monday, May 24th, 2010
2011: Monday, May 23rd, 2011
2012: Monday, May 21st, 2012
2013: Monday, May 20th, 2013
2014: Monday, May 19th, 2014
2015: Monday, May 18th, 2015

From the State of Victoria to our fellow Commonwealth Monarchists across the ocean: Happy Victoria Day!

Thoughts on Victoria Day

*************************

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the occasion of Victoria Day:

"Today, I join Canadians across the country in the official celebration of the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada. On behalf of all citizens I extend our warmest wishes to Her Majesty on this special day.

“Victoria Day is also a time to reflect on the close historical ties Canada enjoys with the United Kingdom and the important role our British heritage has played in shaping our country, including our parliamentary system.

“Our government firmly believes that a shared understanding of Canadian history unites us as citizens. To this end, we have established a Diamond Jubilee committee that will help prepare for national celebrations in 2012 of the historic 60th anniversary of the accession of Her Majesty to the throne as Queen of Canada.

“The tremendous affection that our country and Her Majesty share for one another will be on display when the Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh tour Canada this summer.

"Her Majesty and His Royal Highness will participate in a wide range of exciting activities across five cities and three provinces.

“Again, I join with all Canadians in wishing Her Majesty health and happiness on this Victoria Day and look forward to the royal tour this summer.”

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Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean,
Governor General of Canada, on the occasion of Victoria Day

OTTAWA - On behalf of all Canadians, it gives me great pleasure to offer Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II my best wishes for health and happiness on the occasion of the Canadian celebration of her official birthday, May 24.

This date, chosen in honour of Queen Victoria, born May 24, 1819, perpetuates a tradition that is very dear to us.

Canadians hold Her Majesty in the highest esteem and are eagerly anticipating the visit she is making here this summer with the Duke of Edinburgh.

This will be an opportunity for the entire country to come together to celebrate our history and our close ties with the monarchy.

Canada is proud not only of its relationship with the monarchy but also of its role as an active participant in the Commonwealth of Nations headed by Her Majesty.

So many countries have followed her wonderful example of compassion and generosity.

Her kind words and steadfast leadership inspire nations around the world to continue to pursue and maintain peace, goodwill and international co-operation.

The respect and admiration we feel for Her Majesty this May 24 illustrate the genuine affection and great loyalty our sovereign inspires.

Where did the eggs end up? The Age missed the target

When it comes to the Australian Royal Family, The Age follows strictly a journalist’s credo: “Only bad news is good news.”
While the Melbourne newspaper had so far ignored the Canadian tour of Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall, which started on 2nd November, one incident in Montréal made headlines in the republican mouthpiece. “Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, have been met with eggs and shouts of 'Majesty go home' from scores of anti-royalty protesters blocking the entrance to a Canadian military armoury.” Two paragraphs on the “scores” turned out to be “200 demonstrators” (Montréal has 1.8 million inhabitants) “bearing billboards urging Montreal and Quebec to break away from the British Commonwealth”.

So it was not just an anti-Charles & Camilla protest, but a separatist incident. Not uncommon in Quebec, where two referenda were held, with a vocal minority ignoring two democratic decisions. Does sound familiar, doesn't it? Australians know this attitude, that a defeated minority keeps ignoring the result of a referendum.

A Canadian paper had a different report: The Edmonton Journal speaks of “150 slogan-chanting Quebec nationalists who tried to block the front doors to the Black Watch armory in downtown Montréal.” And contrary to The Age, the royal couple have not been met with eggs, but “[protesters] began to throw eggs at the front doors of the armory” before [!] the royal arrival. Nothing of the following was reported by The Age: “Prince Charles arrived wearing his Black Watch ceremonial uniform, and the reserve regiment's band greeted him by playing the regimental quick march, Highland Laddie.

"In his speech, Charles drew mild laughter with his remark about the 'little local disturbance' outdoors, then spoke warmly in English and French about his affection for the Canadian Black Watch.
"The royals were also to meet recent veterans of Afghanistan before returning to Ottawa in the evening.”

The royal couple had landed in Montréal, where they were greeted by Quebec's Lt.-Gov. Pierre Duchesne before hopping into a black Towncar heading downtown in a 15 vehicle convoy.

"Welcome to Montreal" and "Welcome to Quebec" the crowd shouted as the Prince and Duchess were greeted by Quebec’s Premier Jean Charest on the downtown street.

Of course The Age ignored all the other items of Prince Charles’ visit to Quebec: At Montréal's nature museum, the Biodome, chosen as a site in keeping with the conservancy theme of the trip and Prince Charles's ecological campaign, about 60 royalty fans, most of them French, mingled with police, a quartet of protesters who sang and a young woman in a seal suit.

Mayor Gerald Tremblay greeted the prince at the entrance. Prince Charles stopped to chat with one fan who came with her husband and her two dogs. "He said 'Vous avez de beaux chiens’," said Bernadette Kosko.

Another 50 supporters waited for two hours inside. A few sang Happy Birthday, while most looked thrilled to have shaken hands with a prince.

Charles also met with Ouranos, a Montreal-based network of 250 experts on regional climatology whose mandate is to help society adapt to climate change.

When it comes to The Age’s policy, a couple of eggs thrown at an entrance door are more important than Prince Charles’ ambitious environmental fight. Poor Age and poor Melburnians who rely on such a newspaper. It came as no surprise that The Age chose the most unflattering photo. As usual.


Italian summary
11/11/2009 Montreal - Il Principe Carlo d'Inghilterra e la moglie Camilla sono stati contestati a Montreal, in Canada, davanti a una caserma, dove Carlo, arrivato con indosso la divisa del Black Watch per consegnare una bandiera al Reggimento di cui l'erede al trono britannico è comandante, era atteso, da circa 200 manifestanti che lo hanno accolto al grido di slogan come "Maestà, tornatene a casa" e "Viva il Quebec libero". Le contestazione, che è stata fatta passare per antimonarchica ma era invece di carattere separatista, è stata organizzata dalla 'Rete di resistenza del Quebec', un gruppo nazionalista che rivendica il rispetto della tradizione storica della provincia francofona del Canada rifiutando la passata colonizzazione britannica.

Emperor and Empress of Japan at Hawai’ian National Cemetery


Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko greet dignitaries at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, 15th July . Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited Punchbowl Cemetery to lay a wreath and pause for moment of silence. The imperial couple's visit to the cemetery is the first since 1994. (Photos by Lance Cpl. Achilles Tsantarliotis)

This week Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan visited Haiwai’i. In the centre of their stay on a return flight from the Dominion of Canada was laying a ceremonial wreath to honour those who died in World War II.

Governor Linda Lingle and Navy Adm. Timothy Keating, commander, US Pacific Command, greeted the Imperial Couple as a 21-gun salute announced their arrival.

“They represent ... the oldest monarchy in the world. And that makes it special," said Gene Castagnetti, National Cemetery Director.

It has been 15 years since Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited the national shrine.

In the air, a US plane and one representing Japan flew over, symbolizing the diplomatic bridge, Their Majesties’ hope to preserve between the two nations, with their intentions made known as they etched their signatures in the official guestbook of the final resting place where history has brought Japan and the USA together.

Emperor Akihito of Japan and Retired Marine Col. Gene Castagnetti share a moment of silence at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl), 15th July.(Photo by Sgt. Juan D. Alfonso)

Emperor Akihito of Japan at a wreath laying ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl), 15th July. During their stay, the imperial couple paid tribute to fallen service members. Their July 14 arrival marks their first visit in more than 50 years. Nale is the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, career retention specialist. (Photo by Sgt. Juan D. Alfonso)

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan bow their heads for a moment of silence at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, 15th July. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Achilles Tsantarliotis)

Observant Canadians: "Monarchists write poetry. Republicans write instruction manuals"

Jack Knox, Victoria Times Colonist, 24th May 2009:

"Republicans argue that Canada is no longer a British colony (as if we didn't know this) and that the monarchy is illogical. Well, of course, Canada's monarchy is illogical. All monarchies are. But it's also illogical that Americans should elect a man who, even after eight years with his hand hovering over the button, still thought it was pronounced "nucular." It's illogical that 16 years after he left office, we are still trying to figure out whether Brian Mulroney deserves an apology or a shot at getting shanked by Conrad Black in the shower room. Logic is overrated.

"Wretched, soulless republicans are grim-faced slaves to the logic chips that replaced their hearts. (Monarchists write poetry. Republicans write instruction manuals.) Republicans fail to understand that the value of the monarchy is not in the individuals, but in the ideals they represent (honour, loyalty, courage, inbreeding, corgi maintenance). Like they say in the army, you salute the uniform, not the person inside it."

And the winner is ...
Princess Anne!

Did you hear the sigh of relief? It came from the republican corner. And it heaved, when the Princess Royal left Australia. The republicans have the scene to themselves again. Princess Anne’s stay in Australia was a success. Or, as The HeraldSun wrote: Princess Anne proves a winner!

The Princess Royal spent a scorching summer day touring the small community of Wandong, north of Melbourne, where one in ten homes were lost to the Black Saturday bush fires.

After visiting the local Country Fire Authority station, the Wandong Primary School and the community relief centre Princess Anne’s spokeswoman Ailsa Anderson announced the personal donation would be made upon her return to Britain.

The success of this royal visit explains why there are not as many stays of our Royal Family as could be wished. While republicans claim: “They aren’t interested in Australia”, the Victorian bushfires and the response of The Queen of Australia, Prince Charles and Princess Anne as well as other royals prove the opposite.

Therefore it should be recalled that they do not come uninvited. If we want to see them more often on our shores, politicians must send out invitations. As we all know, politicians like to be treated like stars, quite rightly they consider the royals a crowd puller, taking away the attraction from politicians.

Canadian Constitutional Monarchy
The Constitutional Monarchy in Canada is facing a similar problem. On 22nd February 2009 The Globe & Mail wrote:

"The Harper government has rebuffed efforts to have the Prince of Wales visit Canada. The same, of course, applies to the Queen.

"The Canadian government in fact has shown much less enthusiasm for visits by Canada's current head of state and her heir apparent than has the republic to the south. The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the Mayor of Quebec City, and the province of Nova Scotia have all asked Ottawa to invite the Queen in recent years, and all were turned down by Canadian Heritage.

"The Globe on Saturday reported that The Prince of Wales, and various organizations he is associated with, have also been seeking permission to undertake a visit, and once again the requests have been shelved. The situation is such that the Liberal era of Jean Chrétien is now remembered by loyalists as a golden age for the Canadian Crown."

Of course the problem is the same here as well as on the other side of the Pacific Ocean. Politicians think they must appear in every evening news with a feel good story. Instead they fail to guess that it is more their successful governing that will convince people to vote for them, but not their constantly children kissing or hugging.

Chinese Constitutional Monarchy?
It is interesting that Daniel A. Bell, professor of political theory at Tsinghua University in Beijing, published in The New York Times of 20th February 2009 a summary of a discussion with his students on President Obama. It turned out they had a better sense how a nation should be governed than most Australian politicians:

"We discussed, only half-jokingly, the possibility that China should adopt some form of constitutional monarchy, so that the public could project its emotions on a symbolic leader while evaluating the de facto political leader’s performance more rationally."

But the Australian politicians never learn from their mistakes, nevertheless an invitation to The Prince of Wales should be sent out as soon as possible.

Taking the Canadian example, I'd like to know, how often did The Queen or Prince Charles ask to come to Australia and an invitation was not forthcoming?

A Royal visit for Quebec's 400th birthday celebrations

While the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper found it unwise to invite Queen Elizabeth, Queen of Canada, to celebrate Quebec's 400th birthday, the province will not be without a royal dignitary:

French Prince Jean, Duc de Vendôme, will be in Quebec to join in the city's birthday party. On his website Gens de France, Prince Jean posted the news that he will be in Quebec from 28th June to 6th July.

Le Prince Jean se rendra au Québec du 28 juin au 6 juillet et pour le 400ème anniversaire de la fondation de la ville. Le duc de Vendôme est invité par la ville de Québec.

Prince Jean is son and heir of Prince Henri, Comte de Paris, who is claimant to the French throne.

Of course it is only right that the descendent of the French kings who founded the American colonies should be present at the celebrations. It is equally not understandable that the Canadian Royal Family should not be represented other than by the Governor-General.

The non-invitation to Queen Elizabeth caused a stirr in the Canadian media, when it was first reported in December 2007:

CBC News December 10, 2007
"Montreal newspaper La Presse reported that the federal government is not inviting Queen Elizabeth to la vielle capitale' s birthday bash next summer because it would be too controversial. The newspaper report was based on federal documents obtained under access to information laws.

"The Quebec government said it was disappointed to hear the news because it thought an invitation should have been extended despite possible reprisals. Quebec hasn't ruled out the possibility of appealing the decision, said Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Benoît Pelletier.

"'We told the Canadian government about our wish to have the Queen present at the 400th anniversary celebrations,' Pelletier told Radio-Canada, the CBC's French-language service.

"'We know there would be controversy if the Queen came to Quebec. But this controversy would be provoked by a minority of people, and we can't be at the mercy of these minorities, these individuals, who still have their gaze turned towards 1760.'"

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CTV.ca News Staff wrote:

"Canada's monarchists are upset at Ottawa for what they say is an 'insult' to the Queen, after she was left off the list for Quebec City's 400th birthday bash next year.

"Dignitaries from around the world will be in Quebec City next year to celebrate the city's birthday.

"But there are media reports that the Tories have vetoed a visit by the Queen apparently because it may upset soft nationalists and separatists in Quebec.
NDP Leader Jack Layton said that he doesn't understand why the Queen has been shut out of the ceremonies.

"'Given the people of Quebec City -- I'm sure -- want everyone to come and celebrate the magnificent 400th birthday, I don't know why anyone would want to exclude the Queen,' he said."

On Wednesday 6 February 2008, the Governor-General, His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC sent the following message to Her Majesty The Queen on the occasion of the 56th Anniversary of Her Accession to the Throne:

"It gives me great pleasure, on behalf of the people of Australia, to send to Your Majesty loyal and affectionate greetings on the Anniversary of Your Accession to the Throne”.



On a much more enthusiastic note the Canadian Government asked all Canadians to celebrate the accession of the Queen of Canada to the throne:

Statement by the Hon. Jason Kenney, PC, MP, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity) on Accession Day
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwir e - Feb. 5, 2008) -

February 6 marks the anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne as Queen of Canada.

For more than 50 years, Her Majesty has been a constant reminder of our heritage as a constitutional monarchy and of our unique identity-of our origins and of our constant evolution.

As Prime Minister Stephen Harper said last year, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's "lifelong dedication to duty and self-sacrifice have been a source of inspiration and encouragement to the many countries that make up the Commonwealth and to the people of Canada."

I would like to take the opportunity presented by Accession Day to encourage all Canadians to express their pride in our identity as a constitutional monarchy and in the democratic heritage left to us by our forbears.

For more information, please contact
Office of the Honourable Jason Kenney, PC, MP,
Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity)
Alykhan Velshi, Director of Communications
819-934-1122