Buckingham Palace has announced the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, and 14 other realms. Her Majestyy passed away at 96 at Balmoral Castle, her home in Scotland.

Her Majesty reigned for over 70 after ascending the throne in February 1952 upon the death of her father, King George VI.

Her Majesty was the longest reigning Monarch in Canadian history, and the history of the Commonwealth, at 70 years – having celebrated this occasion earlier this year.

Her Majesty toured Canada on 23 different occasions, 22 times as Queen. Some highlights of these tours include:

• Opening Parliament in Ottawa in 1957
• The opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959
• Celebrating the centennial of the Charlottetown Conference in 1964
• Celebrating Canada’s Centenary in 1967
• Visiting British Columbia in 1971 to celebrate its’ centenary of joining Canadian Confederation
• Opening the Summer Olympics in Montreal in 1976
• Opening the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton in 1978
• Signing the current Canadian Constitution in Ottawa in 1982
• Celebrating Canada’s 125th Birthday in 1992
• A tour of Canada in 2002 to celebrate her Golden Jubilee

Her Majesty visited Canada more than any other country.

For me, I will never forget two special occasions: in 1992, while in a child visiting Ottawa during her visit, I recall standing near the Ottawa River to see Her Majesty’s motorcade to pass by enroute for Hull. No one else was around but my family. However, as the motorcade passed by, it slowed down and Her Majesty smiled and waved to me (as I waved to her) and then the motorcade whisking her away again.

10 years later, while visiting Toronto while celebrating her Golden Jubilee, I recall waiting inside the lobby of the Royal York Hotel to see her depart for a function. I was able to get a spot near the corridor that had been set up for her departure and what a thrill to have both Her Majesty and Prince Phillip pass right by me, both smiling to those waiting to see them depart. I have to find the VHS recording I have from that day!

As part of Her Majesty’s visit to Canada in 1992, she would unveil the statute below on Parliament Hill, an occasion I was also at. While I was one of many in the crowd, I still remember being there.

Her Majesty would serve in the miltary during the Second World War as a member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service, raising to the rank of Junior Commander while training as a driver and a mechanic.

Her Majesty was also Colonel-in-Chief of several Canadian Regiments, including:

• le Régiment de la Chaudière
• The 48th Highlanders of Canada
• The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s)
• The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s)
• The Governor General’s Horse Guards
• The King’s Own Calgary Regiment
• the Royal 22^e Régiment
• The Governor General’s Foot Guards
• The Canadian Grenadier Guards
• The Canadian Guards
• The Royal New Brunswick Regiment

During her reign, Her Majesty saw the completion of the British Empire’s transition to a democratic union of nations known as The Commonwealth and has aleays been a strong supporter of the organization and of the inclusiveness that it now represents.

Her Majesty was supported for over 70 uears by her husband, Prince Phillip, who passed away in April of 2021. She relied on her his support during her long reign.

While on tour with her parents in South Africa in 1947, Her Majesty celebrated her 21st birthday, and would record a speech to be broadcast where she would state

“I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”

This is a declaration that she would adhere to right up until her passing, over 75 years later!

Her Majesty has been an example of dedication, loyalty, hard work, and commitment her entire life. She is a true leader and an inspiration to others. She will be missed.

May she rest in peace. God Save the Queen.

God Save the new King!