The Monarchist League of Canada

Media Contacts

Robert Finch
Dominion Chairman, Hamilton, ON
905-912-0916
chairman@monarchist.ca

Atlantic Canada

Barry MacKenzie
League Regional Coordinator Atlantic Canada, Fredericton
506-454-9589
chairman@monarchistnb.ca

Nova Scotia

Aron Spidle, Halifax/SW Nova Branch Chairman
902-404-7795
aronspidle@hotmail.com

Olive Pastor, Pictou/NE Nova Branch Chairman
902-485-6614
o.pastor@tncwireless.ca

PEI

Mary Dunea, St Peter’s Bay
641-832-7806
msdunea@aol.com

Manitoba

Daniel Guenther, Winnipeg
204-509-4559
danielwguenther@gmail.com

Darcie von Axelstierna, Manitoba Chairman, Winnipeg
204-775-5121
axelstierna@mymts.net

Peter St John
204-284-1089
hrtland@mts.net

Ontario

Cian Horrobin
League Regional Coordinator, Ontario, Toronto
647-834-4549
gtamonarchist@gmail.com

Neil Macalasdair
National Vice-Chairman, Young Monarchists, Toronto
905-705-5902
neilcanadianmacalasdair@hotmail.com

Justin Morin-Carpentier, Ottawa
613-668-0828
justmorin@sympatico.ca

Québec

Étienne Boisvert
League Regional Coordinator, Québec, Sherbrooke
819-347-7336
mr_greenwood@hotmail.com

Western Canada

Keith Roy
League Regional Coordinator, Western Canada, Vancouver
604-454-4219
homes@keithroy.com

Steven Uren, Calgary
National Chairman, Young Monarchists
587-435-9201
uren.s@shaw.ca

The Monarchist League of Canada joins all Canadians in welcoming the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall for their Homecoming which begins during the Victoria Day weekend, a popular holiday that also marks The Queen of Canada’s Official Birthday.

As the Prime Minister has noted, the tour also marks the beginning of a five-year period of national celebration and commemoration: the centennial of the outbreak of the Great War, and the 150th anniversaries of the Charlottetown and Quebec City Conferences, which led to the creation of the Dominion of Canada. Canadians look forward to having Their Royal Highnesses with us for these and other important moments in the history of our country.

FAQ

How many times has the Prince of Wales come home to Canada?
This is Charles’ 17th visit, not including stopovers for re-fuelling aircraft. It is his third visit accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall – the couple’s third homecoming in six years.
Why do you refer to Royal tours as homecomings?
Canada is a Realm – one of 16 Commonwealth countries with The Queen as head of state and head of the nation. Members of the Royal Family do not come to Canada as distinguished visitors from foreign lands, in the way we might welcome President Obama, the Pope or King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. Rather, they return here as part of our national family, whose members have served Canada continuously since Confederation and before. There is nothing wrong with the term Royal Tour, but we think it is important to underline how the Royals have a special role in Canada in the same way as they are held in a special part of Canadians’ affections.
What is the Prince of Wales’ role in Canada?
Charles has no formal constitutional role in Canada. However, in the fullness of time he will succeed his Mother, Queen Elizabeth II, as Monarch, and assume the responsibilities of King of Canada. He has had the benefit of a lifetime of training for the position: the shining example of a beloved Queen, a practical and far-reaching mind which embraces so many concerns of Canadians, decades of familiarity with Canadians’ concerns and, more recently, the development of the Prince of Wales’ Charities in Canada, which is the umbrella group, similar to the Prince’s Trust in the UK, which advances many of his interests in the Canadian context.
Will Camilla become Queen one day?
At the time of the Prince of Wales’ marriage, Camilla assumed the title of Duchess of Cornwall, and it was suggested that, on Charles’ coming to the Throne, her title would be Princess Consort. However, in fact she would be Queen (Consort) unless a separate and distasteful legal procedure was taken to bar her from that title. Given the Duchess’ faultless public service which has kindled much admiration in Canada as in Britain, the evident happiness of the Prince of Wales and the enthusiastic acceptance of their marriage by The Queen and Princes William and Harry, it seems very likely that Camilla will be accorded the title of Queen at the time of the next accession.
What is the difference between a Queen Regnant and Queen Consort?
Our current Queen, Elizabeth II, is the Sovereign of Canada, who occupies the Throne in her own right, and is the personification of the Canadian State. Thus she is a reigning monarch, or Queen Regnant, to use a legalistic term. A Queen Consort, on the other hand, is the spouse of a reigning King. She has the title of Queen out of courtesy and as acknowledgement of the many important ways in which she supports the King. However, she has no legal role and does not share or exercise any of the powers of the monarch. Many Canadians will remember a greatly-loved Queen Consort, Queen Elizabeth – who on the death of King George VI became known as Queen Mother. In war as in peace, the late Queen served the King and his peoples with devotion and grace. However, during that time she was Queen Consort, not a reigning queen.
Some people bow and curtsey to Royals, while others do not? Which is right?
First, it should be clear that, like salutes in the Canadian Forces, bows and curtseys are marks of respect to Her Majesty The Queen whom members of the Royal Family represent as they carry out engagements throughout the world. In our own upbringings and families, and those of our friends and neighbours, there is a wide variety of behaviours and greetings. Some folk are tactile and quick to hug and embrace; others are more formal and reserved – each does what seems natural. Neither is right nor wrong. The same is true for what constitutes good manners. The Queen made it clear some time ago that any requirement for bows and curtseys no longer exists. Many Canadians, however, choose to make this very special acknowledgement of affection and respect because of their great respect for The Queen as head of our nation and example of service and dedication. One might compare it to standing for the National Anthem, a man removing his hat as the Flag goes by or in the presence of a coffin, or a congregant genuflecting or bowing in church. No law requires such behaviour; however, many choose to show respect through such gestures.
© 2015.