This is going to be a shorter edition of Musings on Monarchy! (I will explain in a bit but I’ve got quite a lot on my plate again, and I wasn’t expecting it.) There has been a lot happening with the royal family, but all eyes are also on the Platinum Jubilee next weekend. We had a trip to Canada, a buggy, and a lot of Jubilee speculation in May… Let’s get to Musings on Monarchy: May 2022!
Charles and Camilla Visit Canada
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall touched down in Canada on 17-19 May! I still think that it was an exceptionally short trip given the size of Canada and the fact that it is the senior realm outside of the UK, but it was lovely to see them. Over the three days, they went to Newfoundland and Labrador on the east coast of Canada, Ottawa (the capital city), and the Northwest Territories. It is a lot of ground to physically cover, and they had upwards of 8 engagements a day. I know that people were originally disappointed that the Cambridges weren’t given this trip. However, this trip was not plagued by the same issues that the Cambridges’ Caribbean tour faced.
The Caribbean nations are dealing with the legacy and consequences of the slave trade and colonialism to this day, whereas Canadians are facing the legacy of residential schools. (Indigenous children were sent to Anglican and Roman Catholic schools were they were barred from celebrating their culture, speaking their languages, or really “being” Indigenous in any way.) Prince Charles addressed the residential school controversy several times throughout the trip, and made no attempt to side step it.
The couple met with Ukrainian refugees in Ottawa. One woman told The Prince that hearing an Orthodox hymn at his father’s funeral was incredibly touching for her, and for Orthodox Christians everywhere. They tried making perogies, and even decorating Easter Eggs.
When they were in the Northwest Territories, Charles and Camilla met with more Indigenous groups. They also saw the firsthand effects of climate change, including how remote communities are even more isolated with their ice roads melting. While it was a short visit, I think that both showed that they genuinely cared.
The Queen Heads to the Chelsea Flower Show
The Queen was out at the Chelsea Flower Show! She has attended almost every show during her reign, and she always looks to enjoy herself. However, she didn’t attend the State Opening of Parliament, and had Charles and William go in her place, so people weren’t sure if she would be able to go to the RHS show.
We were treated to a new sight at the CFS! Elizabeth was given a tour of the flower show by the RHS President in a custom-made golf buggy. It might not be what we are used to, but perhaps it will become a new regular. And I have to say, aside from the Windsor Horse Show, we haven’t seen her this happy in a long time!
Platinum Jubilee Whispers…
I won’t get into the Platinum Jubilee too much (more over the next week). However, it is confirmed that The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be attending! While the Palace has already shared that only working royals will be on the balcony, I think that this is great. Hopefully they are able to spend some time with the family! (And that Archie and Lilibet are able to meet everyone.
I hope you enjoyed Musings on Monarchy: May 2022!
Cheers,
The Historian
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
