In case you’ve been living in a vacuum, the Queen of both Britain and Canada, HRH Queen Elizabeth II, passed away last week as I write this. I’m not a Royalist by any stretch of the imagination. The dramas of the Royal family in the previous few decades are right up there with the Kardashians in a made-for-tv drama that I unapologetically ignore. But, I must admit that there was a lot of dust in my house when I found out about the news. Damn dust. It got right into my eyes and made them water.
Despite what anyone thinks of the drama behind the Royal Family, one can only consider the Queen as being Royalty personified. No big public dramas concerning her directly (her offspring, however, are a different story). Her image hasn’t changed as long as I’ve lived - though we have aged in those years. I remember being part of the crowd and waiving my little paper Union Jack, attached to a small straw, as the Queen drove past my town in the 70s. I think the Monarchy will be completely different, and perhaps not for the better, under the next generations of leadership.
Britain will have a National Holiday for the Day of Mourning. The Royal funeral is Monday, September 19, 2022. A time for everyone to remember such an important legacy is very appropriate.
Canada is a commonwealth country - we are a former dependant of the British Empire that now has independence and sovereignty. HRH Queen Elizabeth II was the head of the Commonwealth - a group of nations working to ensure ongoing prosperity through political, economic and social development. As the figurehead of the Commonwealth, the late Queen is imaged on all of our money. She is part of the ceremonial leadership of our country and is a political figurehead. Canada puts its money into this cause - contributing $10.73 million to the Commonwealth organization in 2020-2021.
But what does the Commonwealth really mean? Except for a few government employees and federally-controlled organizations (mail, trains, and planes), everyone else has to work. No day of mourning. No opportunity for those that wish to pay their respects by watching the funeral live. Just another day in the big-city life of malls, offices, and making a buck.
I’m conflicted. If Canadians can’t even come together as a nation to celebrate the Queen of Canada, as per the 1953 Royal Style and Titles Act, what hope is there for future generations of Royalty?
Perhaps the Royals are destined for a reality tv show after all? It may make them more Instagram-famous. And may make them more popular in Canada.