The Royal Tour 2012
Ottawa Journal (Ottawa Journal (May 28 – June 01, 2021)
David Tilson, MP
In celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, undertook a Royal Tour of Canada from May 20 to May 23, 2012. This Tour included stops in three provinces and provided Canadians with an opportunity to reflect on Canada’s rich history, while also recognizing the many outstanding contributions of Canadians to their communities and country.
The Royal Tour began on May 20th with Their Royal Highnesses arrival in Fredericton, New Brunswick, where they were greeted according to Canadian custom and protocol. On May 21st, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visited Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, where they met with military personnel enrolled in the The Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur program. They also went on a walking heritage tour of Prince William Street and later attended a citizenship ceremony to welcome Canada’s newest citizens.
The next stop on the Royal Tour was Toronto, Ontario. On May 22nd, Their Royal Highnesses began their day at Queen’s Park, where they met with Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and attended a Diamond Jubilee Medals ceremony and presented medals to citizens who, like Her Majesty, have dedicated themselves to the service of their fellow citizens, their community, and country. They continued their day in Toronto with His Royal Highness enjoying a tour of Ryerson University and Her Royal Highness taking time to visit The Queen’s Own Rifles at Moss Park Armoury. The Prince of Wales also visited the Pan/Parapan Athletes’ Village, the Yonge Street Mission, and then had a meeting with the leaders of the Assembly of First Nations. Following this meeting, Their Royal Highnesses arrived at the Fort York Armoury for a Military Muster to commemorate the War of 1812. I had the pleasure of attending this event with other Members of Parliament and Senators. During this spectacular event, Their Royal Highnesses inspected the Guard of Honour. First Nations’ groups and current regiments with a link to the War of 1812 commemorated the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 through musical interludes and a commemorative ceremony.
On May 23rd, Their Royal Highnesses began the last stop on the Royal Tour in Regina, Saskatchewan, where they arrived at the Legislative Assembly for the official welcoming ceremony to Saskatchewan. They attended another Diamond Jubilee Medals ceremony and presented medals to more outstanding Canadians who’ve demonstrated considerable dedication and service to their fellow citizens, community, and country. Their Royal Highnesses also unveiled a plaque commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Legislative Assembly and Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee, as well as the design of the Assembly’s new Black Rod. They also presented the Assembly with wood from the Duchy of Cornwall estate.
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall continued their day with a tour of First Nations University and a tour of Ground Effects Environmental Services. His Royal Highness also held a private audience with both the Prime Minister and the Governor General of Canada before attending a concert by the Regina Symphony Orchestra at the RCMP Depot Division Drill Hall in honour of the 2012 Royal Tour. The Tour concluded with an official farewell, which included the Governor General, the Prime Minister, the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, the Premier of Saskatchewan, as well as full military honours, a 21-gun salute, the breaking of His Royal Highness’ personal Canadian flag, and an inspection of the Guard of Honour by His Royal Highness.
The Royal Tour proved to be immensely successful and reminded Canadians of the important role of the Crown in Canada and Her Majesty’s exceptional record of service to our country, while also recognizing the many remarkable Canadians who selflessly devote themselves to the service of others, their communities, and country. I encourage all Canadians to participate in the many Diamond Jubilee celebrations occurring across Canada throughout 2012 and celebrate this very special and important milestone.