Thursday September 8, 2022 | VICTORIA, BC [Updated September 10, 2022]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
“We honour the late Queen Elizabeth II and wish the greatest of success to King Charles III in his reign that commenced today.” ~ Island Social Trends
UPDATE: The Queen’s funeral will be held on Monday September 19, 2022 at 11 am in London, England (3 am Pacific Time).
Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, has died, on this eighth day of September, 2022.
Prince Charles, heir to the throne since the age of three, is now king — King Charles III, and will be officially proclaimed at St James’s Palace in London as soon as practicably possible.
Prince Charles and Camilla tweeted today that they will remain at Balmoral Castle (where the Queen for now lays in rest) until tomorrow, when they will then travel to Buckingham Palace.
Flags on landmark buildings in Britain and across the Commonwealth were being lowered to half mast as a period of official mourning was announced.
As Queen of the UK and 15 other realms, and head of the 54-nation Commonwealth, Elizabeth II was easily the world’s most recognisable head of state during her 70-year reign.
For many Canadians alive today, she is the only British Monarch they have ever known. She reigned for 70 years and 214 days.
Canada’s Governor General:
Canada’s Governor General Mary Simon delivered a speech today, including:
“Today we mourn the loss of our Queen of Canada, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In countless languages around the world, people are sharing solemn words of remembrance.”
“She cared about Canada and all the unique stories that make up our beautiful country. She called Canada her second home.”
“We mourn the end of an era,” said Simon. She said she was told by the Queen to be patient, lead with understanding and respect.
Prime Minister of Canada:
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on Twitter today:
“It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.”
“As we look back at her life and her reign that spanned so many decades, Canadians will always remember and cherish Her Majesty’s wisdom, compassion, and warmth. Our thoughts are with the members of the Royal Family during this most difficult time.”
On TV today Trudeau said: “My last sit-down with her was my last,” said Trudeau, who had met with her several times.
“She was one of my favourite people in the world, and I will miss her so.”
Justin Trudeau’s official statement on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II is posted online.
British Columbia:
The BC Government has paused its entire agenda for the next few days. BC Government website banners — usually in blue — are today in black and grey.
BC Premier John Horgan issued a statement. In that, he said Queen Elizabeth II “held a special place for British Columbia in her heart”.
The Queen came to BC seven times, said Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin said today. Over the years, on Vancouver Island the Queen had visited Victoria (including the BC Parliament Buildings, Centennial Square and Beacon Hill Park), Nanaimo, Comox and Qualicum Beach.
Premier Horgan’s full statement today:
Premier John Horgan issued the following statement on the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada and head of the Commonwealth:
“British Columbians are deeply saddened by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen will be remembered for her full-hearted service to her people, and her steadfast commitment to her duties as the sovereign and head of the Commonwealth.
“The Queen held a special place in her heart for British Columbia. We were honoured to host the Queen seven times, six as reigning monarch. With each visit, the Queen brought British Columbians together in common purpose.
“In the 1970s, the Queen joined us as we celebrated B.C.’s 100th anniversary. In the 1980s, the Queen officially granted the Province its Coat of Arms, an important symbol of our independence and sovereignty. In the 1990s, the Queen honoured us by opening the Commonwealth Games. And in the 2000s, during her Golden Jubilee Year, the Queen dropped the puck at a Vancouver Canucks game, to the delight of hockey fans.
“At every opportunity, Queen Elizabeth II made time for people, especially children. For the tens of thousands of people who came out to see the Queen as she travelled to communities throughout B.C., these moments will be cherished for a lifetime.
“The Queen’s legacy will live on in the many organizations and charities she supported. Among them was the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy, created to protect and conserve forests throughout the Commonwealth. In 2016, the Queen designated B.C.’s Great Bear Rainforest as part of the canopy during the royal tour of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
“Our thoughts are with all members of The Royal Family.
“On behalf of the Province, I offer my deepest condolences.
“God save the King.”
Other remarks about the Queen’s passing (as posted on Twitter):
- Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland: “Queen Elizabeth II was a constant in the lives of Canadians. She was selfless in her service to others and defined the Greatest Generation with grace and humility. Canada and the world are better for her reign. We will miss her.”
- NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh: “Queen Elizabeth II lived a life of history and duty. She was also a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. My thoughts today are for her family who have lost a pillar of strength in their lives.”
- Randall Garrison, MP (Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke): “Honouring a life of service and enormous accomplishment in representing democracy and unity with grace and dignity. Farewell Queen Elizabeth II!”
- Alistair MacGregor, MP (Cowichan-Malahat-Langford): “For my entire 43 years on this earth, I’ve only known one monarch for Canada. Queen Elizabeth II has passed away. May she Rest In Peace.”
Local:
“The passing today of Queen Elizabeth II is very sad news but her legacy will live on. On behalf of the college community, our sincere condolences to The Royal Family. Campus flags have been lowered to half-mast.” ~ Dr Lane Trotter, President, Camosun College
“Flags at Sooke School District schools and sites will be lowered to half-mast to mourn the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.” ~ Sooke School District 62
