Commentary
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee was both joyous and poignant. At 96, though still in general good health, the occasion’s honouree was herself unable to partake in some of the formal celebrations. But the continuing strength of the British monarchy was embodied in the constant presence of Prince Charles, the heir apparent, and his two successors, William and George.
Apart from reminders by the occasional visits of Royals—these days pomp-less and low key—younger Canadians tend to forget Canada is a constitutional monarchy. New Canadians are more likely to understand Canada’s relationship with the Crown, as their welcome pack states: “We profess our loyalty to a person who represents all Canadians — and not to a document such as a constitution, a banner such as a flag or a geopolitical entity such as a country. It is a remarkably simple yet powerful principle: Canada is personified by the Sovereign just as the Sovereign is personified by Canada.”…