Former Prime Minister of Canada John Diefenbaker shaking hands with Queen Elizabeth as she arrives at the front door of 24 Sussex Drive for a formal dinner, 15 Oct, 1957.( University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, John G. Diefenbaker fonds JGD/MG01/XVII/JGD 433. Oct. 15, 1957)

By Teena Monteleone

Mourning the Monarch

Queen Elizabeth II leaves a lasting impression on Saskatchewan

Sep 8, 2022 | 2:33 PM

She is the only Sovereign most of us have known. Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96, peacefully at Balmoral Castle on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022.

“Its fair to say this is a very historic occasion indeed,” Michael Jackson, the former Chief of Protocol for Saskatchewan said.

“She’s been Queen for 70 years and that is an all-time record for the British monarch and we’ll never see anything like it again.”

For 25 years, it was Jackson’s responsibility to organize the visits by members of the royal family when they came to Saskatchewan. For his years of offering service, the Queen promoted him to Commander of the Royal Victorian Order – the highest level open to Canadians. Now retired, Jackson spends his time as the president of the Institute for the Study of the Crown in Canada.

“I remember the Queen’s visit in 1987. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh stayed for six days in our province which is really something,” Jackson said. “They had a weekend off in the Qu’Appelle Valley which was refreshing for them.”

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Mayor Jones and Queen Elizabeth II in Biggar, SK in 1959. (Biggar Museum & Credit Union Gallery Archives, 77.70.28, 1959)

The Queen visited Saskatchewan a total of six times throughout her reign. In 1959, she came to Saskatoon and made whistle stops enroute to Moose Jaw including Hanley and Chamberlain. Jackson remembered one of the most interesting experiences with the Queen in 2005 when she was visiting for the province’s centennial celebrations. That’s when a statue of the Queen on her favorite horse Burmese was unveiled in front of the legislative building.

“That meant a lot to the Queen because Burmese was the horse that she most preferred to ride for Trooping the Colour and in ceremonies in London. Burmese was a gift from the RCMP and she rode it until Burmese retired and she kept it at Windsor Castle until it died.”

Statue of Queen Elizabeth II on her horse Burmese in Regina. (Photo 59858226 © 012750jjg | Dreamstime.com)

Premier Scott Moe issued a statement following news of the Queen’s passing. Scott Moe said, “She visited many parts of our province, meeting with people from all walks of life, including continuing the special relationship between the Crown and Indigenous Peoples. Today, we express both our condolences and our loyalty to the Crown and to our new Monarch, His Majesty the King. I know he will carry on his responsibilities with the same honour, dignity and grace exemplified by his late mother every day of her 70-year reign.”

As part of his statement, the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, Russ Merasty said, “Her Majesty was very fond of Canada and Canadians and thought of our country as her home away from home. She was committed to Reconciliation and acknowledged the painful history that Indigenous peoples endured in residential schools in Canada, as well as the work that remains to heal and to continue to build an inclusive society. While we mourn her loss, we can also give thanks for her extraordinary contributions to Canada and the world.”

(Twitter/The Royal Family)

Jackson described Queen Elizabeth II as a ‘faithful friend to Canada’ through her decades on the throne.

“The Queen is a very selfless, dedicated individual. She vowed when she was 21 to dedicate her whole life to the Commonwealth and she did. This is the Platinum Jubilee year and it’s a remarkable achievement,” he said.

She kept her promise til the very end, Just one day before her passing, the Queen sent a message to the people of Canada following the stabbing attacks on James Smith Cree Nation and in Weldon, SK.

Following the passing of the Queen, her son Prince Charles automatically becomes King. Jackson said there will be other noticeable changes. The Court of Queen’s Bench will be changed to the Court of King’s Bench and lawyers who are Queen’s counsel automatically become King’s counsel. In due course, the image of the Queen will be replaced on Canadian currency and on postage too. Jackson said he may also decide to replace his regal name of King Charles III to King George VII if he wishes.

“He will have his own interests when he becomes King. He’s well known for being ahead of his time in things like organic agriculture and climate change. All of these issues are things Prince Charles has worked on his whole life.”

Jackson believes one thing that will stay the same is the interest of Canadians in the monarchy.

Flags at the Legislature and at provincial buildings are already at half-mast in remembrance of the victims of the recent attacks at James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon. The premier said, “They will remain at half-mast until His Majesty’s Accession is proclaimed, where they will be raised and then lowered again until the day of Her Late Majesty’s funeral service.”

Books of condolences will be available to be signed by the public during regular business hours at the Legislative Building and Government House in Regina.

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teena.monteleone@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertNOW