Celebrating Canada 150 in England
Gov. Gen. David Johnston stresses role of the monarchy as source of nation’s stability
OTTAWA— The Queen marked Canada’s 150th birthday with a visit to Canada House in central London, England, where she was given a sapphire brooch Wednesday to celebrate her sapphire jubilee.
The Queen was joined by her husband Prince Philip at the celebration, which drew tourists from nearby Trafalgar Square who gathered for a glimpse of the monarch as she left in a chauffeur-driven Bentley flying the royal standard.
Gov. Gen. David Johnston used what is likely to be his final meeting with the Queen before his term of office ends to thank her for “65 years as our sovereign.”
Johnston said he has become convinced more than ever of the importance of the monarchy in Canadian democracy, but regrets too few in the country understand the unique role of the Crown.
The monarchy is a source of stability in Canada’s 150-year history, and one of the reasons why the country has thus far been immune from more populist movements gripping other parts of the globe, Gov. Gen. David Johnston said.
The Queen, represented by the Governor General as head of state, represents the “spirit of the country” and complements the role the prime minister plays as the head of government, Johnston said Wednesday in a telephone interview from London at the close of a two-day visit with the Queen.
“The head-of-state function has to do with stability, of rule of law, of fundamental values, persisting year upon year, decade upon decade,” he said.
“Our system works well and I guess if I had any regret it’s that we don’t understand it better and that we don’t see as Canadians the uniqueness of it and how for the most part it serves us well,” he said.
A momentary breach of protocol created a stir with one British tabloid when the Governor General touched the Queen’s arm as he helped her up and down the red-carpeted stairs at Canada House.
The incident prompted the Daily Mail to call out Johnston for his faux pas in breaking royal protocol.
But some on social media suggested the 91-year-old Queen should be grateful for the help.
“The man helped an elderly lady from falling,” one wrote on Twitter.
“‘Governor General acts like Canadian Gentleman’ is a better headline,” another tweeted.
Dignitaries are not supposed to touch the Queen, though that rule has been broken in the past.
Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama made international headlines when she hugged the monarch in 2009.