OTTAWA | Prince Charles landed in Canada without fanfare for a low-key royal tour, as the craze for the monarchy is at a historic low in the country.
“We are deeply touched by your warm welcome, we will take it with us throughout our visit,” said the heir to the throne, delivering a prepared speech as he landed in Newfoundland on Tuesday for the first stopover. of his three-day visit.
But apart from a few children, officials and journalists, there were no crowds on the road for Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, who will travel to Ottawa on Wednesday and Yellowknife on Thursday.
Fifty-one percent of Canadians and 71% of Quebecers are now ready to see the monarchy disappear, so that Canada appoints its own head of state, according to an Angus Reid poll published less than a month ago.
The same pollster noted in November that 66% of Canadians opposed Charles becoming their head of state, up 12% from 2016.
Photo: AFP
He was welcomed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Prince Charles was therefore not entitled to the crowd that surrounded Queen Elizabeth II in 1997, when she stopped in Newfoundland to mark the arrival 500 years earlier of the British ship. Matthew.
Indigenous Genocide
Thirty thousand people took part in the event. About forty Aboriginal protesters also took the opportunity to recall the genocide of the Beothuk people who lived in Newfoundland when the Europeans arrived. The last representative of this people died in 1829.
“I encourage you to learn the truth about our history, the good and the bad,” Governor General Mary Simon said as she welcomed the prince. Along with Prime Minister Trudeau, she called for “understanding” and “respect” to promote reconciliation.
“I know our visit this week comes at an important time when Indigenous and non-Indigenous people across Canada are committing to reflect honestly and openly on the past,” the prince said.
Apologies demanded
That’s not enough for Métis National Council President Cassidy Caron, who will seek a formal apology from the Queen on behalf of residential school victims, when she meets Charles and Camilla at Rideau Hall this evening.
In a similar vein, during the visit of Prince William and his wife, Kate, to the Caribbean in March, protesters demanded that the monarchy pay compensation and apologize for its role in the slave trade.
Without offering the requested royal apology and recognition, Prince Charles said he was “looking forward to listening and learning about the future you are working to build”.
Photo: AFP
The prince didn’t appreciate his draft beer serving technique at the Quidi Vidi Brewery, which also caused a reaction from his wife, Camilla.
“I couldn’t be more privileged to be part of this adventure,” he added.
regular replacement
Aged 73, the heir to the throne now regularly replaces the increasingly frail Queen Elizabeth II. Her visit marks the platinum jubilee of the 96-year-old sovereign, who acceded to the throne 70 years ago.
The Trudeau government announced Monday that it will spend $2.14 million on celebrations and community projects marking the Platinum Jubilee.
The monarchy costs Canadians an average of $67.1 million a year, according to a tally by our Bureau of Investigation in January 2021.