OTTAWA — King Charles is preparing to open a new session of Parliament on Tuesday, utilizing a throne crafted from a piece of English walnut sourced from Windsor Great Park, a place cherished by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. This connection to the Royal Family holds particular significance, as Queen Elizabeth was the first reigning sovereign to deliver a speech from the throne in Canada, a gesture typically reserved for the Governor General.
The historical precedent was set when Queen Elizabeth visited Ottawa in 1957, marking the inaugural session of the 23rd Parliament and delivering her very first televised address. This landmark occasion also included her speaking personally to Canadians from a study at Rideau Hall during that Thanksgiving weekend. Hundreds of journalists, including those from The Canadian Press, diligently covered every moment of her visit alongside her husband, Prince Philip. The media frenzy surrounding the royals overshadowed significant news events, such as Lester Pearson's Nobel Prize win and the debut of the Soviet satellite, Sputnik.
In the same year, the Queen embarked on a new royal tradition by delivering her first televised Christmas message, transitioning from the previous practice where families would gather around the radio. During a rehearsal for this important address, Michael Hind-Smith of the CBC encouraged the Queen to "enjoy yourself," as she prepared to address Canadians in both English and French on October 13. She highlighted the potential of the youth in Canada, urging them to serve their country with utmost dedication when they grew up.
The following day, thousands of Canadians gathered in Ottawa to witness the royal couple's procession to Parliament, where they traveled in an open landau adorned with gold trim and pulled by four black horses against a backdrop of a clear blue sky. Within the Senate chamber, Queen Elizabeth read the throne speech that outlined the objectives of John Diefenbaker’s Progressive Conservative government. As she delivered her address, Prince Philip's watchful gaze remained fixed on her throughout the proceedings.
During her speech, the Queen evoked memories of her predecessor, Elizabeth I, and expressed her heartfelt aspirations for her reign in Canada. She articulated, “Now here in the new world, I say to you that it is my wish that in the years before me I may so reign in Canada and be so remembered.” Her reign would extend for another 65 years thereafter. Notably, she returned to Canada 20 years later on October 18, 1977, to deliver another throne speech as part of her Silver Jubilee tour, replicating the ceremonial pageantry of her earlier visit.
On this second occasion, the Queen and Prince Philip were warmly bundled in buffalo robes to shield against the cold as they proceeded through Ottawa, met with ceremonial gunfire. They were warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, who sported a morning coat completed with his iconic red rose. Inside the Senate, a solemn quiet enveloped the assembly as the Queen, for the first time in public, donned half-moon eyeglasses while reading her speech, articulating themes that resonate even today.
“Given the new economic realities to which Canada must adjust, and the urgency of promoting linguistic and cultural harmony, it is readily apparent that Canada is now entering a new era,” she stated in French. The Liberal government in power at that time used the speech to reaffirm its commitment to fostering national unity. In conclusion, the Queen vowed her renewed dedication “to the people and the nation I am very proud to serve.”
This poignant historical context surrounding the throne speeches reflects the evolving relationship between the monarchy and Canada, showcasing the Queen’s lasting legacy and influence within the nation, as demonstrated by King Charles's upcoming session opening.
