God Save the Queen

Well, it's that time again.

It's the time when the small, but annoying republican movement in Canada starts grumbling about abolishing the Canadian monarchy and creating a "Canadian Head of State" to replace it. I think the last sentence kind of provides the most clear argument against that, namely that Her Majesty's role for us is, in fact, as the Queen of Canada. See the pretty picture? Notice the flag she's standing next to? Read what's on the bottom?

Now, in case you haven't figured it out at this point, I'm a strong Monarchist; always have been. I have a great appreciation for the dignity and tradition that Canada's system as a Constitutional Monarchy brings to it. I believe that having the Queen as our head of state and being part of the British Commonwealth has done well for us over the years and should not change. In fact, I would even like to see a stronger role for the Crown in Canada, for example having school children sing "God Save the Queen" in addition to "Oh Canada" every morning. Also, I'd like to see the day of Her Majesty's coronation (June 2nd) honoured in some way, even if just rolled into the day that we already celebrate her birthday and Victoria Day. And I believe Parliament should make it a point of having a member of the Royal Family visit Canada each year, even if it's Prince Edward or Princess Anne. But perhaps that's just me.

I think, overall, republican sentiment in Canada is well-meaning, but misguided and filled with incorrect facts. The Queen is as much our Queen as she is Australia's Queen, Jamaica's Queen, New Zealand's Queen, Bermuda's Queen, Barbados' Queen, and the Queen of every other Commonwealth Nation, plus her role doesn't cost Canada any money unless she's currently in Canada doing royal duties. Even if you're not as rabid a royalist as I am, surely it's easy to see that, from a historical perspective and one that serves to provide the largest difference between us and our southern neighbours, keeping ourselves a Constitutional Monarchy is beneficial.

And lately, or perhaps not so lately, we have the republicans, faced with overwhelming odds against them, saying that they'll tolerate the monarchy under Queen Elizabeth II, but that we should end it with her. This, to me, is just a sneaky way of them getting more people over to their side, because as much as Her Majesty is a beloved, respectable and dignified monarch, it is not her person that forms Canada's head of state but her title. When she passes on and Charles takes her place as King Charles III (or, as speculated, King George VII since Kings Charles I and II weren't exactly the most beloved of monarchs), I'm confident he'll elicit the same respect that his mother did. And, God Willing, when William ascends he will as well.