The 2022 royal tour of Canada by Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, took place from 17 to 19 May 2022, as part of the Canadian celebrations of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. [1] During the three-day tour, the couple visited communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, the National Capital Region, and the Northwest Territories. [2] [3] Also, the tour had a special focus on reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, [4] which the Prince framed as a "vital process". [5]
Ahead of their visit, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall visited Canada House in London on 12 May. The couple viewed art on display from the Shenkman Indigenous Art Collection, met members of the Canadian diaspora, and watched a small performance. [6] [7]
Canadian High Commissioner Ralph Goodale said that the Crown and Canada have a "very egalitarian" relationship. He said it is not about empire, but Commonwealth, and the relationship "constantly reviews itself in modern terms, and that is the secret of its longevity". [8]
I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to discuss with the Governor General the vital process of reconciliation in this country – not a one-off act, of course, but an ongoing commitment to healing, respect and understanding. I know that our visit here this week comes at an important moment – with indigenous and non-indigenous peoples across Canada committing to reflect honestly and openly on the past and to forge a new relationship for the future... [9]
Charles, Prince of Wales, 2022
The couple arrived in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, in the afternoon of 17 May, and were later welcomed at Confederation Building. Prayers were held in Inuktitut, followed by Miꞌkmaq music, and performances showcasing the province's tradition of song and story took place. In his speech, the Prince discussed Indigenous reconciliation, and said that the visit comes at an "important moment", with "Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples across Canada committing to reflect honestly and openly on the past, and to forge a new relationship for the future". Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reflected on the relationship between the Crown and Canada: "So much of the endurance and stability of our democracy is woven into our Westminster parliamentary system, our constitutional monarchy and the Crown". [10]
The Prince and the Duchess then visited Government House, where they participated in a solemn moment of reflection and prayer at the Heart Garden, that was unveiled in 2019 in memory of the victims of residential schools. The couple were joined by Lieutenant Governor Judy Foote and Indigenous leaders and community members at the ceremony. Elisabeth Penashue, a 78-year-old elder from Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation in Labrador, said it was "really important they hear our stories". [11]
Later, the Prince met representatives of Campaign for Wool Canada, and engaged with NONIA knitters. On the grounds of Government House, the couple unveiled a bronze marker at the start of the new Commonwealth Walkway, a Platinum Jubilee commemorative project. [12]
The Prince and the Duchess then visited Quidi Vidi Village, a fishing village located in the east end of St. John's. Here, they visited the Quidi Vidi Village Artisan Studios, and met talented makers and participated in a collective work of rug-hooking. They undertook a walkabout of The Wharf, and then visited the Quidi Vidi Brewery, a local micro-brewery, where they learnt about the brewing process, and met representatives of Newfoundland and Labrador's emerging culinary and food scene. The couple also had beer, and the Duchess remarked that it was "very good". [13]
The Prince and the Duchess later arrived in Ottawa in the evening of 17 May. [14]
In the morning of 18 May, the Prince of Wales was invested as an Extraordinary Commander of the Order of Military Merit by the governor general, at a ceremony at Rideau Hall, which also marked the 50th anniversary of the Order. [15]
Later, the couple participated in a wreath laying ceremony at the National War Memorial, to honour Canadian veterans and active service members. [16] After the ceremony, the Prince and the Duchess met members and organisations from the Canadian Ukrainian community, and learn about Canada's efforts to support the people of Ukraine. They attended a traditional prayer service at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Ottawa's west end. They also learnt about Ukrainian culture and met representatives from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. [17] [15]
Later, the couple visited ByWard Market and Assumption Elementary School. At the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Stables, the Prince and the Duchess viewed the Musical Ride. [18] At Birds Foundation, the couple engaged with young women who have settled in Canada after fleeing the recent conflict in Afghanistan, and representatives of the 30 Birds Foundation program that helped their resettlement. Later, the Prince participated in discussions on employment and sustainability with the Prince's Trust Canada program participants. [19]
At Rideau Hall, the Prince held a bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General Mary Simon, and also interacted with Canadian stakeholders on the importance of sustainable finance in combating climate change and building a net-zero economy. The day ended with a Platinum Jubilee reception at Rideau Hall hosted by the governor general. At the reception, the Prince and the Duchess met Canadians from various backgrounds who are serving their communities. [12] RoseAnne Archibald, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, appealed directly to the Prince and asked for an apology from the Queen in her capacity as monarch and head of the Church of England for the wrongful acts committed in the past by the Crown and the church in relation to Indigenous peoples. She said that the Prince "acknowledged" failures by Canadian governments in handling the relationship between the Crown and indigenous people, which she said "really meant something". [20]
During this Jubilee visit we have again been reminded of everything that makes Canada so special – not least the vastness and magnificence of the country that you share; the diversity, compassion and inclusivity which you embody. We have once more felt the extraordinary generosity of spirit for which the Northwest Territories – and, indeed, Canada as a whole – are so rightly known throughout the world. [21]
Charles, Prince of Wales, 2022
On 19 May, the couple arrived in Northwest Territories, and were received by Yellowknife Mayor Rebecca Alty and Northwest Territories Commissioner Margaret Thom. In Dettah, the Prince and the Duchess visited a Dene First Nation community, and participated in an opening prayer, a drumming circle and a feeding the fire ceremony, which saw them put offerings of tobacco into the fire. [22] [23]
In the Council Chambers of Chief Drygeese Government Building, the Prince held discussions with Elder Bernadette Martin, Chief Edward Sangris and Chief Fred Sangris for a Round table with Yellowknives Dene First Nation Leadership. Meanwhile the Duchess visited Kaw Tay Whee School to learn about the school's efforts to preserve their language. [12] [23]
Later, the Prince visited Fred Henne Territorial Park, where he met members of the Canadian Rangers to mark their 75th anniversary. [23] The prince briefly sat atop a snowmobile, and was shown different animal furs, drums and weapons. Afterwards, he visited the Rotary Centennial Park, Yellowknife, to discuss the impact of climate change. The Duchess of Cornwall visited a YWCA transitional housing centre for women and children. At the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, the Prince met local food producers to discuss entrepreneurship in the context of the pandemic. The Prince also participated in a discussion on Treaty 11 , its history and its legacy in the Northwest Territories, and the couple observed a demonstration of traditional Inuit sports. [22]
Later, the Prince and the Duchess marked the Platinum Jubilee at the Ceremonial Circle with a Jubilee flag raising, and unveiling a plaque, followed by a presentation of various plants and flowers that will be included in the Northwest Territories' Platinum Jubilee Garden. [12]
Camilla is Queen of the United Kingdom and the 14 other Commonwealth realms as the wife of King Charles III.
Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester is a Danish-born member of the British royal family. She is married to Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, a grandson of King George V.
The history of monarchy in Canada stretches from pre-colonial times through to the present day. The date monarchy was established in Canada varies; some sources say it was when the French colony of New France was founded in the name of King Francis I in 1534, while others state it was in 1497, when John Cabot made landfall in what is thought to be modern day Newfoundland or Nova Scotia, making a claim in the name of King Henry VII. Europeans in the 16th and 17th centuries often considered the territories belonging to different aboriginal groups to be kingdoms. Nevertheless, the present Canadian monarchy can trace itself back to the Anglo-Saxon period and ultimately to the kings of the Angles and the early Scottish kings; monarchs reigning over Canada have included those of France, those of the United Kingdom, and those of Canada. Canadian historian Father Jacques Monet said of Canada's Crown, "[it is] one of an approximate half-dozen that have survived through uninterrupted inheritance from beginnings that are older than our Canadian institution itself."
By the arrangements of the Canadian federation, Canada's monarchy operates in British Columbia as the core of the province's Westminster-style parliamentary democracy. As such, the Crown within British Columbia's jurisdiction is referred to as the Crown in Right of British Columbia, His Majesty in Right of British Columbia, or the King in Right of British Columbia. The Constitution Act, 1867, however, leaves many royal duties in British Columbia specifically assigned to the sovereign's viceroy, the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, whose direct participation in governance is limited by the conventional stipulations of constitutional monarchy.
Since 1867, the British royal family has visited Australia over fifty times, with only six visits before 1954. Elizabeth II is the first and only reigning monarch of Australia to have set foot on Australian soil; she first did so on 3 February 1954, when she was 27 years old. During her sixteen journeys, the Queen visited every Australian state and the two major territories.
The association between the monarchy of Canada and Indigenous peoples in Canada stretches back to the first interactions between North American Indigenous peoples and European colonialists and, over centuries of interface, treaties were established concerning the monarch and Indigenous nations. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada have a unique relationship with the reigning monarch and, like the Māori and the Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand, generally view the affiliation as being not between them and the ever-changing Cabinet, but instead with the continuous Crown of Canada, as embodied in the reigning sovereign.
The monarchy of Papua New Guinea is a system of government in which a hereditary monarch is the sovereign and head of state of Papua New Guinea. The current Papua New Guinean monarch and head of state, since 8 September 2022, is King Charles III. As sovereign, he is the personal embodiment of the Papua New Guinean Crown. Although the person of the sovereign is equally shared with 14 other independent countries within the Commonwealth of Nations, each country's monarchy is separate and legally distinct. As a result, the current monarch is officially titled King of Papua New Guinea and, in this capacity, he and other members of the royal family undertake public and private functions domestically and abroad as representatives of Papua New Guinea. However, the King is the only member of the royal family with any constitutional role.
Llwynywermod, also known as Llwynywormwood, is an estate owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, just outside the Brecon Beacons National Park in Carmarthenshire, Wales. The 192-acre (0.78 km2) estate is near the village of Myddfai, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire.
Mary Jeannie May Simon is a Canadian civil servant, diplomat, and former broadcaster who has served as the 30th governor general of Canada since July 26, 2021. Simon is Inuk, making her the first Indigenous person to hold the office.
Since 1786, members of the Canadian royal family have visited Canada, either as an official tour, a working tour, a vacation, or a period of military service. The first member to visit was the future King William IV in 1786. In 1939, King George VI became the first reigning monarch to tour the country.
The year 2012 marked the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II being the 60th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952. The only diamond jubilee celebration for any of Elizabeth's predecessors was in 1897, for Queen Victoria.
The 2011 Royal Tour of Canada was undertaken by Prince William, and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, between 30 June and 8 July 2011. The tour saw the newlywed couple visit all of Canada's regions. It was the first such tour undertaken by the Duke and Duchess since their marriage two months prior, and the first duties the couple carried out as members of the Canadian Royal Family. The tour was followed by more than 1,300 accredited media. It included the first use of the Duke of Cambridge's royal standard for Canada, the first Canadian citizenship ceremony attended by royalty, Canada Day ceremonies attended by approximately 800,000 people, and many smaller events across the country.
John Gregory Peters is a retired superintendent of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the current usher of the Black Rod of the Senate of Canada. He was appointed to the position by order of the governor-in-council effective October 1, 2013. He was re-appointed on October 1, 2018 for another 5-year term.
The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II was the international celebration in 2022 marking the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952. It was the first time that any monarch in British history celebrated a platinum jubilee, as is the case in the histories of the other Commonwealth realms.
Royal tours of Jamaica by Jamaica's royal family have been taking place since the 20th century. Elizabeth II, Queen of Jamaica, visited the island six times; in 1953, 1966, 1975, 1983, 1994, and 2002.
Royal tours of Antigua and Barbuda by its royal family have been taking place since the 20th century. Elizabeth II, Queen of Antigua and Barbuda, visited the country thrice: 1966, 1977, and 1985.
Royal tours of Saint Lucia by its royal family have been taking place since the 20th century. Elizabeth II, Queen of Saint Lucia, visited the country twice; in 1966, and 1985.
One of the themes of this visit is Indigenous reconciliation, which Charles called a "vital process" in a speech in St. John's, adding that he and Camilla were eager to learn about Canada's past "openly and honestly."
