Royal wedding triggers fond memories, high hopes for Atlantic Canada monarchists

<p>HALIFAX – For many monarchists in Atlantic Canada like Sylvia McCleave, the royal wedding was an opportunity to show off some prized family possessions.</p> <p>”I’m excited,” said McCleave, an avid collector of royal memorabilia for about 60 years who watched the wedding on Friday at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax at an event organized by the Royal Society of St. George. </p> <p>Her collection includes 223 hard-covered books about the monarchy, photographs of her giving a bouquet of flowers to the Queen, and newspaper clippings of previous royal weddings and coronations that were handed down by her mother.</p> <p>”Every day of my life I’m with the royalty,” said McCleave, 73.</p> <p>”I hope their marriage will be forever. She is beautiful. … They really are in love.”</p> <p>Across Atlantic Canada, royal watchers found varying ways to connect with the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Some wore passed-down hats from previous royal weddings, while others displayed photos of past encounters with queens and princesses.</p> <p>Robert Ross of Lincoln, N.B., watched the wedding at a breakfast in the Lord Beaverbrook Hotel in Fredericton complete with what you’d expect at a British feast, including bangers and scones.</p> <p>The 72-year-old donned a century-old bowler hat that belonged to his father and has been worn at previous royal occasions.</p> <p>”I recall him wearing it when the Queen was crowned. It stayed in the family, and I thought it would be a traditional British thing to do to wear the bowler hat,” he said.</p> <p>”Canadians have an attachment to Britain whether they acknowledge it or not. The monarchy signifies unity and all the Commonwealth countries have that in common.”</p> <p>People also lined up before sunrise outside the historic Old Government House, the residence of New Brunswick’s lieutenant-governor.</p> <p>Once inside, tea and pastries were served on fine china and large projection screens were set up in the public areas on the main floor for the estimated 200 people who attended.</p> <p>Staff placed items and photos from various royal visits on display. Many people also brought their own mementoes and memories.</p> <p>Rachael Carlisle of Bristol, England, said she was impressed to see how Canadians celebrated the occasion.</p> <p>”In England it’s quite crazy. It’s huge,” said Carlisle, 29.</p> <p>”But it’s nice to see they’re celebrating here as part of the Commonwealth.”</p> <p>Lucinda Barton of Fredericton brought along a quilt made by her grandmother to celebrate the coronation of King George VI on May 12, 1937.</p> <p>”I wanted to be part of history and celebrate the royal wedding,” said the 51-year-old.</p> <p>Monarchists said they were hopeful the marriage will draw support for the institution among younger Canadians.</p> <p>”We’re excited because we can see the future of the Crown and the enthusiasm surrounding the future of the Crown,” said Barry MacKenzie of the Monarchist League in Fredericton.</p> <p>- With files from Kevin Bissett in Fredericton.</p>