This is no April Fools.




Queen Elizabeth To Grace Opening Of Winter Olympic Games Hosted By Vancouver

April 2, 2009 1:57 p.m. EST

AHN Staff

London, England (AHN) - Queen Elizabeth will grace the opening in 2010 of the Winter Olympic Games to be hosted by Vancouver, the office of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced on Thursday. Her son, Prince Charles, is also interested in coming along.

According to Globe and Mail, Harper's office has confirmed the monarch's visit, but the details are still being ironed out by Ottawa and London officials. To plan and work out details of the visit, Harper appointed in London on Wednesday Kevin MacLeod as Canadian Secretary to the Queen.

Aside from the royal visit, part of MacLeod's task is to chair the Diamond Jubilee Committee which will organize the celebration of the Queen's 60th anniversary as Queen on Canada in 2012.

Prince Charles planned in 2005 to visit Canada with his wife Camilla, but the prime minister then, Paul Martin, advised him against the visit because of political turmoil in Ottawa at that time.

It would be Queen Elizabeth's 24th visit to Canada when the winter games open on Feb. 12, 2010.

Harper, in a statement, said, "Royal visits demonstrate the enduring ties between the Royal Family and Canadians and offer a unique opportunity to celebrate the important aspect of our shared heritage, culture and identity."




Queen Elizabeth to visit Canada next year

OTTAWA, April 2 (UPI) -- Planning is under way for British Queen Elizabeth to visit Canada and open the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Prime Minister Stephen Harper's office said.

Harper's office made the announcement after the prime minister met with the monarch in London Wednesday as part of his agenda of the Group of 20 summit, The Globe and Mail reported.

Plans are being made to have the queen open the Games, which begin Feb. 12, and also commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Naval Service of Canada, which was the forerunner of the current navy, the report said.

The monarch turns 83 on April 21 and the 2010 visit would be her 24th to Canada.

The Globe and Mail said Prince Charles was also keen to visit Canada before his mother's trip.

By tradition royal family members only visit by invitation and the last one to Charles in 2005 was rescinded by Prime Minister Paul Martin, who said his minority government was imperiled and the country could face a snap election.




Visits by Queen, Prince Charles in the works

MICHAEL VALPY | GLOBE AND MAIL
April 2, 2009

The Queen and possibly Prince Charles will come to Canada within the next year and a half, the Prime Minister's Office confirmed yesterday.

Although details are still being worked out by Ottawa and Buckingham Palace, speculation is that the Queen, who turns 83 on April 21, will come next year to open the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver and perhaps mark the centenary of the navy, and Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, will come earlier.

The Globe and Mail reported in February that the Prince was keen to deepen his relationship with Canada, but was thwarted by not having been invited to the country for eight years.

By convention, the Queen and Charles, respectively head of state and next-in-line, can set foot in the country only officially and by invitation.
Print Edition - Section Front

Charles wanted to bring his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, to Canada in 2005, soon after their marriage, but then-prime minister Paul Martin informed him the timing was not propitious because his minority government might be forced into an election.

The Prince and his staff have shown considerable interest in charitable and community work being done by a number of Canadian organizations that parallel his own interests. If he comes, he likely would use his time in Canada to spotlight achievements in education, health, organic agriculture, at-risk youth, corporate social responsibility, architecture and urban planning.

The Queen's visit will be the 24th she has made.

The Olympics open on Feb. 12, 2010. The Naval Service of Canada - subsequently the Royal Canadian Navy and then Canadian Forces Maritime Command - was created in 1910.

Overseeing the Queen's visit, and that of the Prince if he's invited, will be the civil service's long-time expert on monarchy in Canada, Kevin MacLeod, who Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced yesterday would become Canadian Secretary to the Queen.

The announcement was made just before Mr. Harper met the Queen for lunch in London, where he is attending a meeting of the G20 heads of government. Mr. MacLeod travelled there with him.

"Royal visits demonstrate the enduring ties between the Royal family and Canadians," Mr. Harper said, "and offer a unique opportunity to celebrate this important aspect of our shared heritage, culture and identity. In his capacity as Canadian Secretary to the Queen, Mr. MacLeod will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of upcoming Royal visits."

The Canadian Secretary's post has been vacant for four years. Basically, it gives the sovereign a set of astute Canadian eyes and ears.

http://news.google.ca/news?um=1&ned=ca&cf=all&ncl=1325407992



Personally, I would have preferred Michaelle Jean....but, I'm not against this either. I think it's great that she's giving us attention, as the Queen of Canada.

I'm all for it too. Part of the opening ceremony is aimed at providing a history of the city/country, and the English monarchy is a large part of this. :)

Sounds like an excellent idea. The Queen opening up the Olympic Winter games in her Canadian lands. I'm all for it too.

How about we get an, um, Canadian to do it?

^ as far as I know, she is.

Will she be there to grant Prime Minister Ignatieff's request to, uh, prorogue parliament to prevent the opposition from being a bunch of 10 year olds?

Hope she wears a crown with a gold maple leaf in it.

Personally, I would have preferred Michaelle Jean....but, I'm not against this either. I think it's great that she's giving us attention, as the Queen of Canada.

Don't worry.. you'll get plenty of MJ. Loads of good photo ops.





"OTTAWA, April 2 (UPI) -- Planning is under way for British Queen Elizabeth to visit Canada and open the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Prime Minister Stephen Harper's office said"

Is UPI unaware that she is not only the "British" Queen, but the "Canadian" one, too? :lol:

^^ Not a lot of people call her "Canadian Queen Elizabeth," I've heard "Queen of Canada" but not "Canadian Queen."

None the less, Canada is a seperate Kingdom. She is legally Canadian as well as other citizenships.

Colonized! :ohno:

Colonized! :ohno:


I'm no fan of the monarchy either (for other reasons), but it's not "colonized" to have a connection to your past. Asking Canadians of British descent to deny their history is pure cultural chauvinism. It'd be like asking French speaking Quebeckers to get rid of the fleur du lys on their flag because it's a colonial attribute from France.

I'm no fan of the monarchy either (for other reasons), but it's not "colonized" to have a connection to your past. Asking Canadians of British descent to deny their history is pure cultural chauvinism. It'd be like asking French speaking Quebeckers to get rid of the fleur du lys on their flag because it's a colonial attribute from France.

The Quebec Fleur-de-lys has no link to the France fleur-de-lys . French use a yellow fleur de lys, we use a white. White fleur de lys is related to catholicism, not to France.

"OTTAWA, April 2 (UPI) -- Planning is under way for British Queen Elizabeth to visit Canada and open the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Prime Minister Stephen Harper's office said"

Is UPI unaware that she is not only the "British" Queen, but the "Canadian" one, too? :lol:

lol, well that person responsible for calling her the "Queen of Canada" or "Canada Queen" is IOC President Jacques Rogge.

Under protocol, he makes his 3-5 minutes speech, the he concludes by saying "I now invite _____ to open the Games of _______." And the spotlight shines on the stands where the head of state is sitting, and he/she says that sentence.

The Quebec Fleur-de-lys has no link to the France fleur-de-lys . French use a yellow fleur de lys, we use a white. White fleur de lys is related to catholicism, not to France.

The fleur de lys is the symbol of French monarchy, and in specific the House of Bourbon.


The article is interesting and valid to the Winter Olympics, but unfortunately it will probably lead to the same boring, tired fighting about Separation/Colonisation/etc etc etc.. that have clearly been banned from the Canada forums. I would ask people to be civil in their discussions so that the article and responses to not have to be deleted.

Armoiries du Canada/Canadian Coat of Arms. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3376/3411540573_3753d83360_o.png

It is a beautiful example of Heraldry, isn't it?

It is a beautiful example of Heraldry, isn't it?

:yes:

The fleur de lys is the symbol of French monarchy, and in specific the House of Bourbon.


The article is interesting and valid to the Winter Olympics, but unfortunately it will probably lead to the same boring, tired fighting about Separation/Colonisation/etc etc etc.. that have clearly been banned from the Canada forums. I would ask people to be civil in their discussions so that the article and responses to not have to be deleted.

White fleurs-de-lis are also associated with the Virgin Mary, as has been mentioned. However, the Fleurs-de-lis in general are permanently tied to French culture and the distinction is blurred.

Gold fleurs-de-lis are representative of the Kingdom of France, Gold fleurs-de-lis on a blue background for the house of Capet and Valois, while the house of Bourbon sometimes used the Gold fleurs-de-lis on a white background, which also became a national flag. The white cross (with blue or red background) was used by French armies starting from the Hundred Year's War.

I wonder if the Queen will visit other parts of Canada at the same time.

exciteddddd!!!!!!!!!!!!

Armoiries du Canada/Canadian Coat of Arms. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3376/3411540573_3753d83360_o.png

Coool. There's a couple little thistles at the bottom, the 5 million Canadian Scots and what not. :banana:

Absolutely fantastic heraldry.

^^ Yep, along with Tudor Rose, Fleurs-de-lis, and Irish Shamrock. Pretty neat! :okay:

^^ Yep, along with Tudor Rose, Fleurs-de-lis, and Irish Shamrock. Pretty neat! :okay:


Very neat!! One of the best examples of Heraldry I've seen actually, go Canada! :okay:

She is very welcome...

Republic of Canada

Don't really care if she comes or not..

Don't really care if she comes or not..If say Paris Hilton took her place, would that change your mind? I'm trying to think of the worst case scenario.

Yes, Paris is younger and prettier!

Nice and precious Video on abcnews courtesy BBC

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=7833226

Don't really care if she comes or not..

Well, I'm sure the feeling is mutual on her side. :banana:

Like it or not, Queen Elizabeth and the British Royalty IS a heritage and part of Canada. Please show some respect.

I am happy with the choice of individual to open the 2010 Winter Games. Better the queen of England (and Canada) than say, Pamela Anderson.

Like it or not, Queen Elizabeth and the British Royalty IS a heritage and part of Canada. Please show some respect.

If she & her family live in Canada, I might see it differently.:)

If she & her family live in Canada, I might see it differently.:)Ok. Try to come up with an alternative. :) It can't be Paris Hilton, obviously.

^^ How about Sarah Palin..



http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr71/yellowfever_2008/250px-PalinInDover-cropped2.jpg

^^Has to be Canadian.

^^ Also because she is retarded.

I am happy with the choice of individual to open the 2010 Winter Games. Better the queen of England (and Canada) than say, Pamela Anderson.

There hasn't been a King/Queen of England since 1707. After that was King/Queen of Great Britain until 1801, when Ireland joined and it became King/Queen of the United Kingdom. England, Great Britain and United Kingdom are not interchangeable.

^Thanks vid, you beat me to it.

Who better to open your Games then someone that has served Canada as Sovereign/head of state for over 50 years and someone that has traditionally opened these types of events before?

Unfortunately I don't think HM will be able to open the Games as the (n)avy will be celebrating it's centennial next summer. It probably is of more importance. She's been invited to Canada next year with no details yet, but I imagine it's for the centennial. There will be an international fleet assembly at Victoria in June and also one at the Halifax - Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in July. I reckon if she doesn't attend one of those events then the Prince of Wales will. He's also scheduled for a visit next year.

I'd personally like to see Prince William open the Games if the Queen cannot.

Are they going to restore the name? I think it would be more likely for her to come if they're going to do that.

Maybe she could stay for both? She could do a long trip across Canada or spend some time staying in Rideau Hall--I'm sure Michaelle Jean wouldn't mind ;)

I wonder how many Canadians even know that the navy and air force don't have the royal titles. I expect a lot of people still use the old names out of habit.

I'm glad Lizzy is coming to town. I'm not one of those Canada should be a republic like the US kinda of people. I quite like our balanced form of government where we don't make a fuss over our elected leader.

Anyway, be cool to see her at BC Place. Even though she'll be a dot in the crowd. LOL I can't wait to find out where I'm seated for the opening / closing ceremonies. Have to wait until December though. urgh

Are they going to restore the name? I think it would be more likely for her to come if they're going to do that.


Sorry, late reply. I'm pessimistic with the gov't changing the name back. I've never heard anything on it or read anything on it other than the online petition. It's probably not a spending priority right now as there would be some sort of cost involved.


For HM opening the OG. She's been officially invited to, as is protocol, but reports from staff at the PMO is that she will not attend. This leads me to believe that she will be doing the navy centennial in the summer instead as the announced 'official visit' for next year.

Prince Charles however, who also needs to be formally invited by the Gov't for official visits, is rumoured to attend the OG, but we don't know in what capacity yet. Though the Prince of Wales is heir to throne of Canada, the GG(as de-facto head of state) would still take on the traditional role in a situation like opening a sporting event over the POW. They could also forgo formality and decide on whomever to open the event. We'll probably hear something about all this by fall.

I'd go see her! I've seen her a few times in the past and it has been great fun.

The Prime Minister's Office announced this week that the GG is opening the Games. HM will still be coming next year--probably for the navy centenary.

Kind of a shame, but at least she's still coming.

Definitely a few levels down in the prestige department.

Too bad they don't have any young princess! :D

Two threads now :lol:

May be I have to wait until they have grand daughters. :nuts:

You, sir... are a horn-dog! :D

:yes::naughty::kiss::hug::tongue4:

they surely got princesses, but they are all already taken!

unless you can wait for another decade and marry one of " my" princesses. (of the Netherlands" !!!

hey, I might be a princess too though. YOU ll NEVER KNOW :lovethem:

You're a crazy queen! :lol:

CORRECTION: I am a messed up Princess :weird::nuts::clown::baeh3::shifty::booze:

Personally, I'm glad the queen isn't opening the game. What does she have to do with sports??? i wish a Canadian athlete would open the game, like Chantal Petitclerc. She is the Canadian athlete who has won the most medals at the Olympics! (for a Canadian athlete...something like that, im not to osure of her title) I think she would represent Canadian athletes better then the queen or GG....

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41480000/jpg/_41480494_canadawheel220.jpg

I don't mind the rock band 'Queen' opening the game. :lol:


Seriously, I would prefer the prime minster of Canada to have that job since he is the real ruler of this country!

^^the streets of Vancouver belongs to you cougar hunter!:lol::lol:
You may open the games too!:nuts: cheers to that :cheers:

How about you and me open the game together, and after that, we will have our own little game just for the two of us! :D

^^what kind of a " litte' game??? and how " little" is YOUR little??? hahahaha:lol::lol:

as long as it won't get any BIGGER :nuts:

oh btw, I hope you do OPEN the games, and not ''' moi " !!!!!

Please don't let her open the games! I hate colonialism and monarchism in Canada! We're not a baby of Mother Britain anymore!

Please don't let her open the games! I hate colonialism and monarchism in Canada! We're not a baby of Mother Britain anymore!

Our Governor General is opening them.

I thought Michaelle Jean was opening the games; however, the Queen opening the games would be amazing. I assume she'll be opening the 2012 games in London as well.

I thought Michaelle Jean was opening the games; however, the Queen opening the games would be amazing. I assume she'll be opening the 2012 games in London as well.

Yeah - she'll probably pop in on her way back to the palace from Harrods. :)

^^ its a huge celebration 2012 its the Queens diamond jubilee and 2012 Olympics and yes she will be in her "royal box" at 2012 stadium.

HM will be in here for the Royal Canadian Navy/Maritime Command centennial celebrations and international fleet assembly in the summer. Although I'd like her to open the Olympics I think the naval centennial is far more important than the OG.

I think you'll probably see her here for Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012 too.

Is the queen already in Vancouver??

She was not there. It's Michaelle Jean who opened the games.

Are any world leaders going to come?

If she & her family live in Canada, I might see it differently.:)

But it's not possible to live in so many places is it ? How often do Canadians see their British relatives ? Not every year I assume.

I envy you guys that the Queen will visit Canada this year. She has not visited Australia for years. That's too bad. She is just such a great monarch, so responsible, measured and modest (not so some other members of teh family...).

Congratulations Canada.
Regards from the sister nation.

Marco Polo

I envy you guys that the Queen will visit Canada this year. She has not visited Australia for years. That's too bad. She is just such a great monarch, so responsible, measured and modest (not so some other members of teh family...).

Congratulations Canada.
Regards from the sister nation.

Marco Polo

The queen is due in Perth (WA) in 2011 for heads of government meeting for the commonwealth.

The Queen may not have been there, but Princess Anne was there thanks to her involvement with the IOC (she's the British rep to the Committee, is on the London organizing committee, and rode for Great Britain in Montreal). My monarchist side is content with that.