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The Queen made an appropriately regal impression when Alberta's regional government staged a state banquet in her honour this week. Her Majesty arrived for the event in a white lace evening gown and fur stole, complemented by a diamond tiara and sapphire necklace and earrings.
She and her husband were greeted by Prime Minister Paul Martin, who was every inch the charming host. The monarch might have been forgiven for feeling a little taken aback by the over-familiarity of some of the photographers, though. "Big smile – show some teeth," shouted award-winning lensman Robert Bray, before adding: "Over here – into the camera."
The Queen showed no sign of irritation, cooperatively flashing a broad smile for the snapper. And the royal couple were both clearly enjoying themselves as they went on a walkabout outside Edmonton's City Hall. When the sovereign sought out a group of little girls who had come along to present her with flowers, Prince Philip broke with protocol by lifting several of the children over the barriers.
"I couldn't believe it when he started telling children to climb over the barricades and lifting them over so they could give flowers," confessed Lynn Mandel, the wife of Edmonton's Mayor Stephen Mandel. "I think both of them put people at ease. They know people are awkward, probably, about what to say and do."
One person who wholly agreed with Lynn's assessment was nine-year-old Canadian Megan Brehon: "She's my favourite royal because she likes Canada," she said.
Before leaving Her Majesty also took time to meet members of the Canadian branch of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Association, who were accompanied by several of their four-legged friends. Greeting another couple who had brought along their pet cow offered a rather different challenge. |
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