Canadian monarchists have voiced their disapproval following the federal government’s “lacklustre” plans for Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee celebrations, which will mark the sovereign’s 70-year reign throughout 2022.
“It’s actually embarrassing,” John Fraser, the founder of the Institute for the Study of the Crown in Canada, told CBC News. “I won’t say shameful, but it’s embarrassing. I think we’re a better country than this, and I don’t think it represents who we are.”
A Member of the Order of Canada, Fraser cited a shortage of official events, the lack of a jubilee medal and a limited three-day royal tour by Prince Charles – the queen’s son – as “indifference” from the feds.
“We are the number one dominion, so it would have been nice if the federal government had actually shown some interest,” Fraser added, referencing Canada’s senior Commonwealth status and close ties to the Crown.
Canadian Heritage, the federal department responsible for royal affairs, has a webpage listing the government’s platinum jubilee plans, which included a commemorative coin set jointly issued by the Royal Canadian Mint and the U.K.-based Royal Mint.
As for events, officials will display an exhibit at Ottawa’s Château Laurier hotel this summer while flying banners throughout the national capital region, which includes Ottawa, Gatineau, Qué., and other surrounding communities. Provincial lieutenant governors and territorial commissioners will also dedicate some gardens to the queen; however, these festivities pale in comparison to the U.K. program, according to Fraser.
Across the pond, monarchists enjoyed an extended four-day weekend in early June with 1,800 public events and 2,000 street parties.