Harper to celebrate occasion in London
PM to join other Commonwealth leaders in saluting historic ties
OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will travel to London on Sunday to participate in celebrations next week marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
The trip was announced Friday by the Prime Minister’s Office. The British capital is awash with celebrations this weekend and into next week, as people pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth’s 60 years on the throne.
Harper will be joined by his wife, Laureen, as well as Gov. Gen. David Johnston and Heritage Minister James Moore.
“The Diamond Jubilee is an opportunity to celebrate our traditions, history, symbols, values and institutions, and highlights how Canada has evolved over the past 60 years under Her Majesty’s reign,” Harper’s director of communications, Andrew MacDougall, said in a written statement.
“As a bilingual, multicultural society in a parliamentary democracy, Canada has successfully laid the foundations for a dynamic cultural fabric within the framework of stable, democratic institutions. In this context, the Crown is not only an enduring part of our living history, but also a fundamental and relevant institution.”
MacDougall said Harper will participate in a range of events to mark the occasion, which is also drawing prime ministers from other Commonwealth nations.
On Monday he will attend a BBC Concert at Buckingham Palace, where music stars such as Paul McCartney and Elton John are expected to play. The concert will be broadcast live on the BBC and to millions around the world.
Harper will also witness the Queen lighting a national beacon — thousands beacons are being lit around the world, including on the roof of Canada House.
On Tuesday morning, Harper will attend a service at St. Paul’s Cathedral, also to be attended by the Queen and the Royal Family. That afternoon, he will visit Canada House — this country’s high commission office — for an event related to Canada’s participation in the upcoming Summer Olympics in London.
On Wednesday, Harper and other Commonwealth leaders attend a luncheon with the Queen. Also that day, he participates in the unveiling of a portrait of the Queen which was commissioned by the Canadian government.