Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh: Visit to Canada - May 17-25, 2005

[HMQueenElizabethII]

Great information.Thanks lots Humera.

[Humera]

You're welcome:)

Here's the official Canadian Heritage website about the Royal visit:

http://www.pch.gc.ca/special/royalvisit2005/index_e.cfm

[Humera]

Is the Royal visit off?

With the House of Commons paralysed and a vote on the future of the Paul Martin government promised for no later than next Thursday, the Royal visit to celebrate the Alberta and Saskatchewan centennial is now in some doubt.

The Queen is scheduled to arrive in Regina on Tuesday afternoon, where she will be officially welcomed by Paul Martin. The PM is also hosting a dinner for the Royal visitors the next day, before returning to Ottawa to face a non-confidence vote.

It's precisely the sort of political minefield our absentee monarch is at pains to avoid. Conservative Leader Stephen Harper has already suggested the embattled PM wants to use the Queen as a positive photo-op before facing the possibility of an election.


It's not an unreasonable criticism. Basking in the glow of an upbeat Royal visit, with wall-to-wall media coverage, seems like a dandy way to project an image far removed from the Gomery inquiry.

And that's the concern. Several calls to London yesterday confirmed that Canada's developing constitutional crisis has become a major issue for the Queen and her advisers. The phone lines between Ottawa, the Canadian Embassy, and Buckingham Palace are buzzing, and I understand a final decision on the Queen's plans is likely to be made today.

The palace was saying little about the possibility of cancelling next week's visit, only confirming that the Queen will "take the advice of the prime minister" on whether it should go ahead.

But sources in London tell me that a decision "to fish or cut bait" has to be made within the next 24 hours. The Queen, I'm told, is anxious to make what may well be her last visit to Western Canada, but "constitutional considerations loom larger than personal preferences."

Although the Queen is Canada's head of state and our governments and legal system operate in her name, in practice she's an absentee monarch who delegates most of her constitutional power to the Governor General.

For example, Rideau Hall confirms that even if the Queen is visiting Canada, if the Martin government falls next week the PM would tender his resignation to Adrienne Clarkson. She will be on hand to welcome Her Majesty to Saskatchewan, but, like Martin, the Governor General plans to return to Ottawa on Thursday - just in case.

For our symbolic monarch the problem is the unpredictability of elections, and the possibility that the Royal institution itself could become an issue.

Outside Quebec there would seem to be little discernible republicanism sentiment in Canada. But it would be a mistake to assume there is none.

A few years ago, Jean Chretien's office quietly floated the idea that the millennium might be the time to bring the monarchy to an end. Apparently many in the federal Liberal caucus were horrified, but not deputy prime minister John Manley - an occasionally outspoken republican.

Ottawa legend has it that Manley blocked a plan to have the Queen read the federal government's Throne Speech during her Golden Jubilee visit in 2002. Manley's people denied it at the time, but the story was believed in London.

It's not clear whether republican sentiment still bubbles beneath the surface in the present federal Liberal administration (my guess is that it does), but Buckingham Palace's policy - in Australia and New Zealand as well as in Canada - is to avoid politics like the plague. Hence the doubts now hanging over the centennial visit.

The Klein government has said it will promise to make Alberta an election-free zone for the duration of the Royal visit, but it's not clear how it might enforce that restriction on federal politicians or anyone else who feels inclined to use the visit and the accompanying media mob to promote their pet cause or air their grievance.

In the end it will come down to the advice from the PM, and the Queen's own inclinations as a veteran of the monarchy business. Frankly, I think the Ottawa politicians ought to hope she does come, because a cancellation at this late stage would involve its own political costs.

There are an awful lot of people in Alberta and Saskatchewan looking forward to this visit, and it's not the Queen they're going to be mad at if it doesn't happen.

http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/Column...3/1037566.html

[Humera]

A more recent article

Royal visit will happen

The Sun has learned political manoeuvrings in Ottawa won't derail the Queen's visit - and that she'll meet personally with the families of fallen Alberta Mounties.

A London source has told the Sun that Buckingham Palace gave Queen Elizabeth's visit to Alberta and Saskatchewan the green light - subject to Ottawa's agreement that the visit not become "overtly politicized."

"Obviously the Queen and her advisers are aware of the political situation in Canada, and the concern is that Her Majesty should not be involved in that in any way," said the source.

RCMP F Division Cpl. Brian Jones confirmed yesterday that some of the family members of fallen officers Const. Brock Myrol, Const. Peter Schiemann, Const. Anthony Gordon and Const. Leo Johnston will meet the Queen at the RCMP Depot in Regina.

The officers died March 3 when they were gunned down by Jim Roszko on his farm near Mayerthorpe, 130 km northwest of Edmonton.

"She is going to enter the chapel for a very private audience," Jones said, adding the ceremony is set for the early afternoon of May 19.

"And then she is moving to the cenotaph where she will lay a wreath honouring all fallen RCMP officers. All the troops and all the cadets in training at Depot, as well as other troops, will be on parade, as she is the head of our force."

The Queen normally avoids scheduling Royal visits within six months of a federal election, and being in Alberta and Saskatchewan next week when the Martin government could fall creates a precedent the palace would rather avoid.

"But she made this commitment and she wants to be there," explained the source. "And as long as everyone agrees to behave, it could work because she's not visiting Ottawa. At the end of the day you have to rely on the good judgment of everyone involved."

After a series of phone negotiations this week, the final decision on whether to go ahead with the visit now lies with Paul Martin. "Her Majesty will take the prime minister's advice," said the source, "but as of this moment she's coming."

Mayor Stephen Mandel said his office has been assured that the prime minister will welcome the Queen and her visit will proceed as planned.

"It would be a real travesty, with the amount of time and effort that Edmontonians have put into this, not to have her come," Mandel said.

"We're looking forward to it. I'm practising my bow."

Mandel said he can't imagine that any political party would make an issue of the Queen's visit.

The program manager for city hall's Kids in the Hall Bistro, a restaurant that provides jobs for troubled youth, hopes everything goes ahead.

The Queen is scheduled to visit Kids in the Hall on Wednesday. "It's kind of an acknowledgement that what we're doing here is really worthwhile, and the youth are pretty jazzed," said Calvin Avery.


http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/Edmont...39511-sun.html

[Humera]

Province calls for fed no-go zone during Queen's visit

If there's still a question about the Queen visiting even if the federal government falls, Alberta doesn't know about it.

But the province has a strong argument ready to raise on the matter.

"Our best advice, from Buckingham Palace, is that Her Majesty the Queen has made the decision to come," said Community Development Minister Gary Mar, responsible for centennial celebrations. "She, of course, is entitled to change her mind as circumstances may dictate, but the best advice we have is that she is coming," Mar said.

That word was issued about 10 days ago, Mar said, adding he has heard nothing about a rumoured meeting today in London to discuss the issue further.

The Queen's official events in Alberta could come just as the federal minority government falls in a vote scheduled for May 19. Traditionally, the monarch does not visit a nation in the midst of an election campaign.

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Ed Stelmach said provincial Tories have decided on an argument to raise if the visit is jeopardized: "Our opinion is that we can solve this issue simply by keeping the federal politicians out of view," he said.

Not having been asked, however, Alberta has not yet advanced that suggestion, he added.

"We haven't sent it anywhere, yet, but that's our position."

Federal politicians would do well to heed it, he added.

"It would be in their best interests to stay out of view, to not try to turn this visit into part of a political campaign. You know, very early in this centennial year we had the tragic loss of four young Mounted Police officers. I think a Royal visit is something a lot of people very much look forward to."

Premier Ralph Klein, speaking Wednesday, said he understands that Ottawa has not advised against the visit.

"It's entirely up to Buckingham Palace as to whether she will come. But I understand the prime minister can advise her, and so far he has not advised her not to come," Klein said.

He agrees that federal politicians should simply stay away from her visit.

"So as long as there is not overt political activity, I don't think it will be an issue. Or using her as a prop, for purely political purposes."

http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/Edmont...37930-sun.html

[Squidgy]

Well ... it looks like the Canadian government and Buckingham Palace have faith that this trip will happen.

There is now an official website for the visit. See http://www.royalinsight.gov.uk/output/Page4080.asp#

[HMQueenElizabethII]

On Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd The Queen and Prince Philip will have relax and private engagement so no pics on these two days.

[HMQueenElizabethII]

And on Monday 23rd May:
THE QUEEN AND THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH
PM

Arrive Edmonton City Centre Airport

Met by the Lieutenant Governor, the Minister-in-Attendance, and other dignitaries

Depart for Commonwealth Stadium

Arrive at the Commonwealth Stadium

Met by Premier Ralph Klein and Dr. Klein

Official Welcome to Alberta Ceremony

Military Honours

Centennial Celebrations

Depart for Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
THE QUEEN AND THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH

HM and HRH depart Fairmont Hotel Macdonald for Westin Hotel

Arrive at Westin Hotel

Dinner offered by the Government of Alberta

Proceed to Fairmont Hotel Macdonald

[HMQueenElizabethII]

On Tuesday 24th May:
THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH

AM

HRH departs Fairmont Hotel Macdonald for Edmonton City Centre Airport, Government Hangar

Arrives at airport

Departs for Mildred Lake gravel airstrip

Aerial tour of major oil sands projects

Arrives at Suncor Energy Inc. Steepbank Mine Complex

Views heavy hauler (outdoors)

Views exhibits (indoors)

Signs the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Visitors’ Book

Departs for Edmonton City Centre Airport

THE QUEEN

AM

HM departs Fairmont Hotel Macdonald for Provincial Museum of Alberta

Arrives at Provincial Museum of Alberta

Witnesses an interpretation session for youth

Unveils a commemorative plaque

Reception hosted by the Lieutenant Governor

Signs Jubilee Portrait

Proceeds to Legislature Building

Unveils a commemorative plaque

PM

Proceeds to Legislative Chamber

Words of welcome by the Speaker

Address by Premier Ralph Klein

Address by Her Majesty

Proceeds to the south entrance of the Legislature

Walkabout

Departs for Fairmont Hotel Macdonald

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH

PM

HRH departs Fairmont Hotel Macdonald for Edmonton City Hall

Arrives at Edmonton City Hall

Presentation of 100 Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Certificates

Address by His Royal Highness

Departs for Fairmont Hotel Macdonald

THE QUEEN AND THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH

PM

HM and HRH depart Fairmont Hotel Macdonald for Northlands Park Agricom

Arrive at Northlands Agricom for the Government of Canada dinner (black tie)

Dinner

Address by Prime Minister Paul Martin

The Queen replies

Depart for Fairmont Hotel Macdonald

[HMQueenElizabethII]

And the last day Wednesday 25th May:
THE QUEEN AND THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH

AM

Depart Fairmont Hotel Macdonald for Edmonton City Hall

Arrive at City Hall

Acknowledge City Councillors

Event with “Kids in the Hall”

Proceed outside to Churchill Square

Presentation of gift by Mayor of Edmonton

Sign the City of Edmonton Visitors’ Book

Walkabout viewing displays of youth activities

Depart for Edmonton International Airport

Depart Edmonton for Calgary

PM

Arrive Calgary International Airport and proceed to Museum of the Regiments

Arrive at Museum of the Regiments

THE QUEEN

PM

Photographs with officers of the King’s Own Calgary Regiment, the Calgary Highlanders, and the Canadian Forces Military Engineers Branch Air Reserve

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH

PM

Views displays (lower level)

THE QUEEN AND THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH

PM

View displays

HM unveils a plaque dedicating Queen Elizabeth II Atrium

HM and HRH sign the Museum of the Regiments Visitors Book

Depart museum for Roundup Centre

Arrive Roundup Centre

Luncheon hosted by Premier Ralph Klein

Depart for the Saddledome

Arrive at the Saddledome (South entrance)

HM signs her portrait

HM and HRH sign City of Calgary registry

City of Calgary Event

Official Departure Ceremony from Alberta and Canada

Depart Saddledome for Calgary International Airport

Arrive Calgary International Airport

Depart for London (Heathrow International) on Canadian Forces Airbus

[timtonruben359]

As has been mentioned above, both Buckingham Palace and the Canadian Government have confirmed that the tour will go a head regardless of the current political situation in Canada.

I am very much looking forward to seeing the Queen back in Canada, on what could be one of her final tours of this country.

[Squidgy]

Originally Posted by timtonruben359

As has been mentioned above, both Buckingham Palace and the Canadian Government have confirmed that the tour will go a head regardless of the current political situation in Canada.

I am very much looking forward to seeing the Queen back in Canada, on what could be one of her final tours of this country.

timtonruben359, I've heard that rumour too, that this could be a final visit. Maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part, but I find it hard to believe that she will quit touring completely. I always think of the Queen Mom who was visiting Canada even when she was in her 90's. I guess I'm just having a hard time accepting the fact that the Queen is no "spring chicken" anymore.

Knowing that her visits to Canada will become less and less frequent, maybe will make us enjoy this visit that much more.

[sara1981]

i got news from telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk for HM Queen and Prince Philip's trips to Canada

check it out!
Your Majesty, this trip could get political
By Caroline Davies
(Filed: 16/05/2005)

The hats have been boxed, the coats and evening gowns neatly folded and the tiara polished.

It is set then for the Queen to be whisked straight from Tuesday's State Opening of Parliament to the Canadian Airbus that will transport her and Prince Philip to Regina in Saskatchewan.

It will be her 23rd visit to Canada, a country for which she holds a particular affection.

That is unless her private secretary, Sir Robin Janvrin, answers his phone between now and then to an apologetic Canadian prime minister delivering the news: "It's all off." For Canada is in political meltdown.

The Liberal government is teetering on the brink of collapse and, should prime minister Paul Martin fall before the Queen is airborne his advice could be to stay at home.

His demise will automatically trigger a general election, and Canada in the middle of an election campaign is no place for a Queen who has avoided political hot potatoes throughout her 53-year reign.

Mr Martin has so far staved off a vote of confidence over allegations that the Liberal government gave millions of dollars in contracts to firms in Quebec, with many of those firms, allegedly, then paying kickbacks to the Liberal Party.

But, under pressure from Conservatives, he is being forced to hold one on Thursday when parliament gathers to vote on his federal budget. That is two days into the Queen's nine-day tour of Saskatchewan and Alberta.

If he is still standing by the time she touches down, the prediction is he will lose the May 19 vote.

Thus the man who greets the Queen as her prime minister at the bottom of the runway steps at Regina may no longer be her prime minister two days later.

At Buckingham Palace all they can do is watch, hands tied. "We await the outcome of the vote and subsequent government advice. That advice will depend on the vote and may affect the Queen," said a spokesman.

If she goes, she may well be asked to turn around and come right back should Mr Martin lose. And if he loses, but advises her to stay - to spare disappointment for Saskatchewan and Alberta which each celebrate 100 years of joining the Confederation and have planned elaborate festivities - well, that causes a whole set of new problems.

With no government, what of the grand luncheon to be "hosted by the Government of Canada" in Regina on May 20? Or the PM's formal speech, and his presence at her official departure ceremony in Calgary?

There are always local difficulties for the Queen to negotiate on foreign tours. But a country in political crisis could be trickier.

Sara Boyce

[Humera]

Interesting article Sara.
Still, nothing too much to worry about.
The Queen wont be anywhere near Ottawa. She's visiting Alberta and Saskatchewan where the provincial governmets are determined not to let federal politics sour their centennial celebrations. Alberta has called for a "fed no-go zone" as mentioned in one of the articles above. So I think things will go along smoothly.

[Ephram]

Originally Posted by ~*~Humera~*~

Interesting article Sara.
Still, nothing too much to worry about.
The Queen wont be anywhere near Ottawa.

Will Her Majesty and HRH The Duke get official welcoming ceremony by Madam Adrianne Clarkson?, since this is a State Visit

[Ephram]

Originally Posted by Ephram

Will Her Majesty and HRH The Duke get official welcoming ceremony by Madam Adrianne Clarkson?, since this is a State Visit

Well, apparently yes. She will be welcomed by the Governor General. I forgot to read the first part of this thread

[timtonruben359]

Originally Posted by Squidgy

timtonruben359, I've heard that rumour too, that this could be a final visit. Maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part, but I find it hard to believe that she will quit touring completely. I always think of the Queen Mom who was visiting Canada even when she was in her 90's. I guess I'm just having a hard time accepting the fact that the Queen is no "spring chicken" anymore.

Knowing that her visits to Canada will become less and less frequent, maybe will make us enjoy this visit that much more.

I personally feel this will not be the Queen's last visit to Canada, but I think this will her last major tour...I think the future she will most likely stay in one place instead of flying to various parts of the country...but I doubt this will her last tour...you're right the Queen Mother last visited Canada when she 89.

But I think we also need to face facts that the Queen is now nearly 80 and it has already been stated by the Palace that she and Prince Philip plan to cut back on their international travel. But knowing the Queen's sense of duty, as long as she is physically able she will travel abroad.

[Humera]

For those of you who want to see the arrival on tv, Newsworld will cover it live starting at 6:30 eastern. I assume the other canadian networks will as well, though Im not sure.

[HMQueenElizabethII]

There are no pic of The Queen and Prince Philip arrived in Canada yet.But there are a picture of The Queen and Prince Philip waving when they left London Heathrow Airport: Nice new hat:)

[Amira]

The Queen and Prince Philip are supposed to arrive a 6:30 Pm at Regina (Saskatchewan)