The Royal Tour of Canada 2010 - Day Two

Continuing their stop in Halifax, Nova Scotia, The Queen and Prince Philip visit coincided with the Celebrations marking the Canadian Naval Centenial - 100 years of proud service by the Royal Canadian Navy. The Queen also has a personal interest in the Royal Canadian Navy. She is patron of The Navy League of Canada, The Royal Canadian Naval Association and The Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent Fund.

The Duke of Edinburgh presented a certificate from the World Ship Trust to Canada's most famous and most decorated warship, HMCS Haida. HMCS Haida, a Tribal class warship built in England in 1941 it was Commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy in 1943. The certificate represents the prestigious International Maritime Heritage Award – bestowed on ships considered important to maritime history and heritage and honoring the legacy of those who served in HMCS Haida.

In the afternoon The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh visited the Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Canada’s largest centre for ocean research. After this visit they board the naval frigate HMSC St John's for the International Fleet Review. This naval pageant featured about 22 foreign ships, each saluting the Queen as she passed by in the HMSC St. John's.

Later on in the day, The Duke of Edinburgh attended a reception with the the 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment The Duke of Edinburgh meeting members of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment at Government House. The Duke of Edinburgh acts as Colonel-in-Chief of many units, including the 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment. This long-serving regiment is the only regular force infantry battalion stationed in Atlantic Canada.

In the evening the couple attended a Celebration of Nova Scotia at the Cunard Centre, overlooking the Halifax port.  The evening celebrates Nova Scotians who have made significant contributions to their communities, province and country. These include recipients of the province’s highest honour – the Order of Nova Scotia – as well as the unsung heroes, who work quietly to make their communities better. During the event they were treated to performances by Nova Scotia musicians, dancers and singers. As well a performance by DRUM! a group of artists from Canada's Aboriginal, Black, Celtic and Acadian communities.
© Marilyn Braun 2010

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The Royal Tour of Canada 2010 - Day One

The Queen and Prince Philip have arrived in Canada to begin their 22nd Canadian Royal Tour!

Arriving on a rainy day in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Queen carried a clear umbrella; a deliberate choice to allow people to view her despite the weather conditions. The couple are welcomed  by officials, including the Hon Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and the Queen's personal flag is raised to signify the presence of the Queen of Canada.

Their visit starts with an official welcome ceremony to Canada and Nova Scotia, in the Garrison grounds at the foot of the Halifax Citadel Hill, a national symbol of Halifax's role as a major naval station in the British empire and in Canada's development from colony to nation. In attendance at this welcome ceremony is Prime Minister Stephen Harper, The Governor General Michaëlle Jean, and other prominent Canadian's and dignitaries. After the Prime Minister's speech, the Queen addressed the crowd:

"My mother once said that this country feels like a home away from home for the Queen. I'm delighted to be back among you all. Canadians have by their own endeavours built a society that is widely admired across the world," she said. "I am very proud of this country. Thank you for your welcome. It is very good to be home."

The Queen and Prince Philip paid a visit to a Mi'kmaq festival, and unveiled a plaque, rededicating Government House, the restored residence of Nova Scotia's lieutenant-governor — the oldest official residence in Canada, which had undergone a three-year renovation. 

The Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, Her Honour the Honourable Mayann E. Francis, presented The Queen with the ceremonial Royal Key, made of gilt-sterling silver and engraved with The Queen’s Royal Cypher. This presentation of the key, to be returned at the end of the tour, begins a new tradition at Government House. The Royal Key will also be presented to future Lieutenant Governors and important visitors who stay at Government House.

© Marilyn Braun 2010

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