Prince Edward is an oft over-looked royal partially because, although his daughter Victoria became Queen, he was never king. However, his importance to Canada can not be overstated. In fact columnist Michael Taube has dubbed him the "Father of the Canadian Crown".
Originally posted to Gibralter, he was soon re-assigned to Lower Canada at his request. Apparently he couldn't take the hot Mediterranean climate (a man after my own heart). He ended up staying in Canada for nine years from 1791 to 1800. He would be the first royal to spend more than a brief period in what was to become Canada. As a result he has left a lasting legacy on Canada.
Originally posted to Gibralter, he was soon re-assigned to Lower Canada at his request. Apparently he couldn't take the hot Mediterranean climate (a man after my own heart). He ended up staying in Canada for nine years from 1791 to 1800. He would be the first royal to spend more than a brief period in what was to become Canada. As a result he has left a lasting legacy on Canada.
During a stay in Charlesbourg in 1792 he performed his most famous act. A riot had broken out between the French and the English at a polling station which he went to break up. This is not all that unusual as he was a military man and furthermore as a strict disciplinarian he abhorred disorder. What he choose to say to the rioters as order was being restored is the important part. Before the rioters he spoke these words:
"Part then in peace. Let me hear no more of the odious distinction of English and French. You are all His Britannic Majesty's beloved Canadian subjects."
It is often taken for granted today that 'Canadian' is a civic, not ethnic, term that includes everyone in Canada rather than a single group. In 1792 that was not the case. Canadian (or Canadien) meant the French of Lower Canada exclusively. Prince Edward's remark is the first recorded use of Canadian in a civic sense. This makes him in a way the father of Canada as we know it.
"Part then in peace. Let me hear no more of the odious distinction of English and French. You are all His Britannic Majesty's beloved Canadian subjects."
It is often taken for granted today that 'Canadian' is a civic, not ethnic, term that includes everyone in Canada rather than a single group. In 1792 that was not the case. Canadian (or Canadien) meant the French of Lower Canada exclusively. Prince Edward's remark is the first recorded use of Canadian in a civic sense. This makes him in a way the father of Canada as we know it.
This contribution to the formation of the idea of Canada would be followed by another. In 1814 Prince Edward was forwarded a letter from Jonathan Sewell, a friend whom he had met while in Canada. The letter was a plan for a federal union of the British North American
colonies. Prince Edward supported the idea and offered comments and critiques that would later be cited during the Charlottetown and Quebec Conferences (1864).
In terms of physical contributions he was responsible for several important building projects in Halifax after he moved there in 1794. Much like his future descendent Prince Charles he had an interest in architecture. In this case, Halifax's lack of notable structures. Halifax's Citadel Clock Tower and St.George’s Round Church were two notable structures he helped construct.
colonies. Prince Edward supported the idea and offered comments and critiques that would later be cited during the Charlottetown and Quebec Conferences (1864).
In terms of physical contributions he was responsible for several important building projects in Halifax after he moved there in 1794. Much like his future descendent Prince Charles he had an interest in architecture. In this case, Halifax's lack of notable structures. Halifax's Citadel Clock Tower and St.George’s Round Church were two notable structures he helped construct.
It should not be surprising that he has many places in Canada named after him including, of course, Prince Edward Island. As well you have Kent County in New Brunswick and numerous Kent Streets and parks.
Father of the Canadian Crown is a fitting sobriquet.
Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour
Father of the Canadian Crown is a fitting sobriquet.
Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour
RSS Feed
