EDMONTON – The sun peeked out from the clouds Saturday afternoon, cheering Edmontonians celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee at a garden party at the legislature.
The event, which commemorated the 86-year-old Queen’s six decades on the throne, kicked off with a performance from the Royal Canadian Artillery Band and words from host Lt.-Gov. Donald Ethell.
“Queen Elizabeth II has been a model of grace, dignity, strength and an unfailing example of what it means to serve,” Ethell told the crowd of about 150 after he arrived in style in a vintage landau carriage. He was accompanied by his wife Linda, Minister of Culture Heather Klimchuk and a team of Mounties on horseback.
“(The Queen) has joined in our triumph, shared in our grief and steeled our reserve in times of trial,” Ethell said.
Klimchuk highlighted Alberta’s history with the Royal Family, giving a nod to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for visiting Slave Lake and sending a letter to its residents one year after the devastating fires.
“That heartfelt gesture and royal visits of past years are a reminder of our heritage as a province as well as our deep connections to the monarchy,” said Klimchuk, who wore a lavender dress and a matching fascinator hat.
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Part of honouring that heritage was throwing a British-style garden party, she added.
“It’s a fantastic tradition where friends, family and community can get together to have tea and cake and possibly ice cream.”
Entertainment included a rendition of O Canada, sung by Juno-nominated trio Asani in English, French and Cree, and a musical ride by Lord Strathcona’s Horse, a regiment with the Canadian Forces. Children’s tents were also set up for storytelling and for making crowns and fascinators.
Karl and Kirsty Abrahart, who recently moved to Sherwood Park from England, brought their five kids, aged one to 12, to the party.
“As much as we do live in Canada now, we want the children to remember their British roots and we’re still quite patriotic,” said Kirsty.
Her husband agreed, but said he wished there had been a better turnout.
“Most Canadians we’ve spoken to are very pro-monarchy, they love the Royal Family. . . . I think given the opportunity they would’ve absolutely loved to have come to something like this, had it been better organized or advertised,” he said.
Brendan Newman, 23, of Fort McMurray is a member of the Monarchist League of Canada, which advocates for the visibility of the Crown.
“It’s a source of stability for the Canadian identity. No matter what government we have, the monarchy is always there being a voice of law and reason and goodwill,” he said, draped in a British flag.
Free ice tea, ice cream and cookies, decorated with the Diamond Jubilee Emblem, were offered to all.
Queen Elizabeth II is the second monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee. The first was her great-great-grandmother Victoria in 1897.
Festivities are being held across Canada to mark the occasion.
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