The Maple Monarchists
  • Blog
  • The Monarchy In Canada
    • The Canadian Royal Family
    • Vice-Regal Representatives
    • Arguments For Monarchy
    • The Crown & You
  • Special Projects
    • Discussion Topics >
      • Pan-Monarchism
      • Terms of Support
      • A Canadian Knighthood
      • Anarcho-Monarchism
      • Natural Government
    • Leadership Surveys
    • Letters >
      • Regarding Context Article
  • Useful Links
  • Contact & Questions
    • About the Authors

Happy Victoria Day

5/23/2022

 
Picture
A redditor was kind enough to share a video of the fireworks 
display put on yesterday evening at Dow's Lake, Ottawa. 
Picture
As per personal tradition I treated my coworkers to birthday
cake on Saturday (per company policy everyone must work
that day so no one misses out).

I hope everyone has a great Victoria Day (whatever the
weather).

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

Evolution of the Right to Encourage

5/18/2020

 
Walter Bagehot was a contemporary of Queen Victoria having 
been born after, and died before, the long-lived queen. And 
while Queen Victoria was the one who set about creating a 
greater symbolic role for the monarchy going forward, it 
was Walter Bagehot who codified the monarchy's political 
role. Now, Mr. Bagehot would likely object that he was only 
observing what was already falling into place but in the years 
since his death The English Constitution has been 
studied by every heir to the throne as to what their role should
be. In physics there is a theory that the mere act of observing 
a phenomenon inevitably changes that phenomenon. And in
this instance it holds true of political science as well. Walter
​Bagehot observed that:
To state the matter shortly, the sovereign has, under a constitutional monarchy
such as ours, three rights — the right to be consulted, the right to encourage,
the right to warn
. And a king of great sense and sagacity would want no others.
He would find that his having no others would enable him to use these with
singular effect. He would say to his minister: “The responsibility of these measures
is upon you. Whatever you think best must be done. Whatever you think best shall
have my full and effectual support. But you will observe that for this reason and
that reason what you propose to do is bad; for this reason and that reason what
you do not propose is better. I do not oppose, it is my duty not to oppose; but
observe that I warn.” Supposing the king to be right, and to have what kings often
have, the gift of effectual expression, he could not help moving his minister. He
might not always turn his course, but he would always trouble his mind. In the
course of a long reign a sagacious king would acquire an experience with which
few ministers could contend. The king could say: “Have you referred to the
transactions which happened during such and such an administration, I think
about fourteen years ago? They afford an instructive example of the bad results
which are sure to attend the policy which you propose. You did not at that time take
so prominent a part in public life as you now do, and it is possible you do not fully
remember all the events. I should recommend you to recur to them, and to discuss
them with your older colleagues who took part in them. It is unwise to recommence
a policy which so lately worked so ill.”
PictureWalter Bagehot
Of the three rights Bagehot ascribes to
a constitutional monarch the first and
third have little changed from his day.
But I feel the second right, the right to
encourage, has slowly transformed. So,
slowly in fact that it was only with the
recent pandemic that factors led me to
notice it. What was once a right to
encourage politicians has become a
right to encourage the greater public.

Walter Bagehot would not have thought such a change
possible, or perhaps even desirable. His well-known contempt
of the political, and even rational, abilities of the lower classes
created blinders to such an expansion of the right to
encourage. At the same time technology did not yet allow the
expansion of this right with radio and television still in their
infancy. And finally, the character of Queen Victoria herself
did not allow it to expand as for much of her reign she shut
herself away from the people.

But what exactly am I referring to? In the quoted section
above Bagehot notes that a monarch can encourage a prime
minister to refer to events that occurred during previous
administrations, ask them to consult with the older men who
experienced those events, and suggest actions that might be
better. During the conference in London to finalize Canadian
Confederation Queen Victoria made use of her right when she
told John A. Macdonald that “I am very glad to see you
on this mission. It is a very important measure and
you have all exhibited so much loyalty.
” This is the
right to encourage as traditionally defined.

My first suspicion that a change has 
occurred without anyone
really commenting on it was the Queen's recent broadcast to
​the UK and the Commonwealth:
Here we had the Queen both encouraging people to do their
part during the pandemic and encouraging (in the sense of
​comforting) those who were having a hard time during it. It is
not about legislation but instead advocating people do what is
right. 

The Queen's decision to record an Easter message (a first in
her long reign) again functioned to encourage people to
practice social distancing and to instill hope for the future:
But looking back such encouragements are a common thread
throughout the Queen's Christmas messages as well. It would
seem that as the monarchy has taken on a more public role
the right to encourage has expanded in scope with it. The
Queen did not start this expansion (that distinction belongs to
her father) but her long reign has cemented its new form as a
prerogative of the Crown. Current events have simply made such encouragement more necessary. Her Majesty seems to
be everywheres in recent months. Her Covid-19 address was
accompanied by a special note for Canada. The New
Zealand Prime Minister was also surprised by a phone call
from Her Majesty. Of the videos that have been released only
the VE address was previously planned.

Some claim that the monarchy needs to evolve (without ever
really stating how) but miss the fact that the monarchy is a
living institution that has always been evolving to meet the
needs of its people. The expansion of the right to encourage is
necessary because politicians are bad at encouraging people
to follow rules. The respect people once held for elected
officials just isn't there to the degree it once was.

But let me switch gears before I sign off and note that in some
provinces restrictions start loosening tomorrow. Be sensible
with the increased freedom and have a Happy Victoria Day.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

Victoria Day Odds & Ends

5/21/2019

 
The Victoria Day long weekend was somewhat busier than 
normal this year. There was also some news I wanted to touch
on that didn't warrant their own posts.
PictureCake from last year. This year's cake was eaten too quick!
As in previous years I
treated my coworkers
to cake on Saturday. I
also had the chance on
Friday to listen in on
some of the newer hires
talking positively about
​the Royal Family.

PictureScott Morrison
On Saturday I learned that Australian
Prime Minister Scott Morrison, leader
of the right-leaning Liberal/National
Coalition, had won the election over
Bill Shorten of the Labor Party. Bill
Shorten has since resigned as leader.
From a strict monarchist perspective
the end of Mr. Shorten's leadership is
welcomed. He had proposed a binding
plebiscite on the future of the monarchy if he won (followed
by a referendum on the specific type of republic to be
adopted). His defeat makes this plan much less likely to
happen. Especially as Prime Minister Scott Morrison has
declared himself to be a monarchist. This would be a
good time for Australian monarchists in the Labor Party to
start encouraging a leadership candidate more friendly to the
​Australian Monarchy to step forward.

PicturePhoto Credit: Booking.com
On Victoria Day I hosted a meeting
of the New Brunswick branch of the
Monarchist League of Canada in
Fredericton at the Maverick Room
(pictured). I had re-activated the
branch in October of last year
following a two year hiatus that
resulted from the previous chairman
stepping down. Despite the rainy weather we had ten people
show up. After a brief update on the branch's status and a
social time over dinner we discussed what initiatives we
should pursue as a branch going forward. One new member
was signed up at the meeting and a good time was had by all.

Picture
An interesting post showed up on the
Monarchists Facebook page stating that the
UK pressure group Republic no longer has a
functioning organization. The investigation
of this claim does provide some solid
evidence that something is wrong. This year
only three press releases have gone out. This
is paltry when compared to previous years. Their social media has likewise been much reduced in volume. This kind of
slowdown can often be attributed to a lack of volunteers
which stems from a demotivated base. However, the
slowdown does coincide with executive board elections held at
the start of the year so internal conflicts can't be ruled out.
The organization still exists but if it can't find a new strategy
beyond being snarky killjoys they are ​doomed.

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Victoria Day (whatever the
weather might have been).

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

Blog Update: New Initiatives

5/21/2018

 
Happy Victoria Day everyone!

This blog is now fours years old. Some goals that this blog set
when it was first started have been reached while others could
use a renewed focus in order to achieve. But overall, it is in
good shape.

There has been a three year gap in these blog updates so it is
perhaps necessary to talk about where this blog is going in the
​near future.

Hiring a summer student
One good thing to come out of the controversy surrounding
the federal government's attestation requirement for summer
job grants is that it got me thinking about the possibility of
hiring a summer writing position for the blog. Initial inquiries
have been promising and we may be able to hire a student for
the 2019 summer season.

A Kisaragi Colour is slacking off
At this point in time some may be noticing a decline in post
frequency. This is due to A Kisaragi Colour (who writes the
vast majority of posts) having thrown his hat into the ring to
win a seat in the upcoming New Brunswick provincial
election. As such there will be fewer posts until September
and potentially after.

Custom Logo
The way Weebly handles thumbnails on Facebook has never
been satisfactory. It essentially gives a choice of the pictures
in the blogs sidebar. This has led to the coat of arms of the
Monarchist League of Canada becoming this blog's de facto 
thumbnail image. While a great organization, this blog would
prefer not to rely on the League for its graphics. As such an
effort will be made this summer to create a unique logo for
​the blog.

Section Redesign
The Discussion Topic section never really worked as intended.
It has been redesigned and renamed the Special Projects
section. This will allow this website to better showcase its
advocacy roles.

Here is to hoping the next four years are even more successful
than the last four.

Loyally Yours,
The Maple Monarchists

Victoria Day Odds & Ends

5/22/2017

 
PictureQueen Victoria at four years of age
Happy Victoria Day!

There is a few items I wanted to
cover this Victoria Day. The
Monarchist League of Canada
sent out an email on May 11th
with ideas for how to celebrate
Victoria Day with friends and
family. It is a good list. Myself,
I have the last two years treated
my coworkers to birthday cake.
It's a good way to inform people
that Victoria Day is also the
reigning monarch's birthday.

Former MP Brian Murphy took the occasion to write a mostly
positive tribute to the monarchy in the Times & Transcript on
Friday. I had a few small issues with the piece and will be
writing a reply but overall it was a welcome surprise.

On the subject of the media: I have noticed a certain tendency
towards using 'May Long Weekend' rather than referring to
Victoria Day itself. I'm inclined to believe this is one of those
time-saving measures used by the media rather than any sort
of effort to downplay Victoria Day.

Conservative Party Leadership Candidate Chris Alexander
sent out an email today. I have copied it below:

"Today we celebrate free institutions & the stability of monarchs.

Since Louis XIII (pictured below), the reigns of just six of them (including Louis XIV,
George III & Queen Victoria) account for almost three & a half centuries of
Canadian history. In Québec, today is the 'Journée nationale des patriotes' --
celebrating the struggle for national recognition, political freedoms & democracy.

All achieved under the Crown of Canada.

It's time to recognize the crown's role in our lives by:
- holding a coronation of our next monarch in Canada; &
- styling our country the Kingdom of Canada.

Without constitutional amendment, upheaval or drama.
With pomp, dignity & ceremony. For love of country.
To show what we're becoming -- our history & our potential.
These ideas for renewing the Crown of Canada are here.

Happy Victoria Day!"
The policy on having a Canadian coronation is one he told me
about when I met him at a candidates debate in Moncton. The
policy on styling Canada as a 'kingdom' is new to me though.

​Finally, the month of May marks the 3rd anniversary of this
blog's founding. Hard to believe its been three years already.

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

Celebrating Victoria Day

5/23/2016

 
Picture
Happy Victoria Day!

This Victoria Day is special in that
it is also marks the official 90th
birthday of Queen Elizabeth II of
Canada.

The Monarchist League of Canada
has encouraged its members to
film themselves singing Happy
Birthday to Her Majesty to mark
the occasion. The Governor
General even joined in recently.

Victoria Day is a uniquely Canadian celebration. No other
member of the Commonwealth celebrates it. The date used to
move around a little bit since it was Queen Victoria's actual
birthday. It was eventually decided to fix the date to the
Monday before the 24th of May (the Queen's actual birth
date).

Canadians celebrate Victoria Day 
in a few different ways.
Some don't 
mark the occasion in any special way (although
even this can be an 
appropriate way of marking the
occasion). Firework displays have long been a part of Victoria
Day celebrations and continue to be a part of celebrations
in Canada today. As for myself...
Picture
...I treated my coworkers to birthday cake.

The month of May also marks this website's second birthday.
When I started I was unsure about how long it would last. I
wasn't even sure if I had the dedication to keep it regularly
updated. But two years in I am pleased with how things are
going. 

Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour

Happy Victoria Day!

5/18/2015

 
Today is not only a day for celebrating the birthday of a long-dead monarch. Nor is it only our current monarch's official birthday. Today is for celebrating the Canadian monarchy itself. It is the foundation of our constitutional government, a guarantor of our liberties, an all-weather friend, and reminder of our responsibilities to the past & future. 

While Canada Day has become a day to celebrate the greatness of Canada, I feel Victoria Day has become a day to celebrate the freedom of Canada. We live in a country were you can drive from one end to the other without the need to pass through a security checkpoint. A country where a trip to the camp by the lake for a weekend is not a bullet point in some secret government file. A country where you can be as completely irreverent towards Queen & Country as you damn well please and you won't be hauled off to a secret tribunal never to be seen again. Victoria Day is to me a time to reflect on the freedoms enjoyed under the sovereignty of the Maple Crown and to reflect on whether those freedoms are still secure.

Have a Happy Victoria Day,
A Kisaragi Colour
Picture
Victoria Day gathering, 1854

    About

    This website is intended to be a resource for those arguing in favour of Canada's monarchy, researching Canada's royal past, or wondering what the various vice-regal representatives of the Canadian Crown are up to currently. As well, articles about other monarchies may appear from time to time. 

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014

    Categories

    All
    Afghanistan
    Alberta
    Albert County
    Alexandra Mendès
    Allison Lawlor
    Amita Kuttner
    Andrew Saxton
    Andrew Scheer
    Annamie Paul
    Archduke Franz Ferdinand
    Aria David
    Aron Seal
    Artwork
    Australian Monarchy
    Austria
    Barbados
    Barry MacKenzie
    Bloc Quebecois
    Blog Update
    Books
    Brad Trost
    Brazil
    Brian Graff
    British Columbia
    British Monarchy
    Canada Day
    Canada Post
    Canadian Monarchist News
    Canadian Monarchy
    CANZUK International
    Caribbean Monarchist League
    Carolingian Empire
    Charity
    Charlie Angus
    Charter Of Rights And Freedoms
    Chief Edward Machimity
    Chief John Thunder
    Chief Robert Joseph
    Chris Alexander
    Christian Bjørnskov
    Christmas
    Christ The King
    Citizenship Oath
    Clamavi De Profundis
    Commonwealth
    Communists
    Confederation
    Conservative Party
    Coronation Oath
    Costs Of The Crown
    Cricket
    Crown Jewels (of Canada)
    Dalton Camp
    David Johnson
    David Merner
    Deepak Obhrai
    Democracy
    Democracy Watch
    Denmark
    Derek Sloan
    Donald Booth
    Donald Trump
    Dr. Leslyn Lewis
    Duchess Of Cambridge
    Duchess Of Hohenberg
    Duke Of Cambridge
    Dylan Mainprize
    Dylan Perceval Maxwell
    Education
    Elizabeth May
    Elsie Wayne
    Emma Dent Coad
    Emperor Charles V
    Emperor Francis II
    Emperor Kangxi
    Emperor Nero
    Emperor Pedro II
    Emperor Qianlong
    English Monarchy
    Erin O'Toole
    FCP
    Fiji
    French Monarchy
    George Stanley
    Glorious Revolution
    Government House
    Governor General
    Gov Gen. Adrienne Clarkson
    Gov Gen. David Johnston
    Gov Gen. Julie Payette
    Gov Gen. Mary Simon
    Grand Chief Henri Membertou
    Green Party
    GTA Branch
    Hawaii
    Heraldry
    Hitler
    Holy Roman Empire
    Hudson's Bay Company
    Ibrahim Bruno El-Khoury
    Interview
    Invictus Games
    Iran
    Jack Layton
    Jacques Monet
    Jagmeet Singh
    Jamaica
    James Hawkes
    Jean Charest
    Jody Wilson-Raybould
    John A. Macdonald
    John Boyko
    Jordan
    J.R.R. Tolkien
    Judy Green
    Julienne Bay
    Justin Trudeau
    Kathleen Wayne
    Kellie Leitch
    Kevin Gillespie
    King Alfonso XI
    King Carl XVI
    King Charles I
    King Charles II
    King Charles III
    King Charles XI
    King Christian IV
    King Edward I
    King Edward VII
    King Edward VIII
    King George I
    King George V
    King George VI
    King Henry VIII
    King James VI & I
    King Juan Carlos I
    King Louis XIV
    King Louis XVI
    King Matthias Corvinus
    King William IV
    King Zahir Shah
    Kisaragi
    Labour Party
    Leona Alleslev
    Letters Patent
    Liberal Party
    Lisa LaFlamme
    Lisa Raitt
    Lord Ludichris
    Loyalists
    Lt. Gov. Brenda Murphy
    Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Dowdeswell
    Lt. Gov. Graydon Nicholas
    Lt. Gov. Jocelyne Roy Vienneau
    Lt. Gov. John Graves Simcoe
    Lt. Richard Wilson
    Mackenzie King
    Magnum Concilium
    Marilyn Gladu
    Mark Steyn
    Mary Lincoln
    Maxime Bernier
    Meme
    Meryam Haddad
    Michael Chong
    Michael Valpy
    Mike Holland
    Mi'kmaw
    Mirrors For Princes
    Mohawks
    Monarchist League Of Canada
    Morocco
    Mr. Windsor
    Native Kingship
    Nawanagar
    NDP
    Neil MacAlasdair
    Netherlands
    New Brunswick
    Newfoundland
    News
    New Year's Levee
    New York
    New Zealand
    Normandy
    Nova Scotia
    Oath Of Allegiance
    Olympics
    Omoba Aina
    Ontario
    PACT
    Papua New Guinean Monarchy
    Parliament
    Pat Stogran
    PEI
    People's Alliance
    People's Party
    Peter Julian
    Peter Kurrild-Klitgaard
    Peter MacKay
    Peter Russell
    Peter Stoffer
    Philippe Lagasse
    Pierre Elliott Trudeau
    Pierre Lemieux
    Playlist
    Pope Boniface VIII
    Prime Minister
    Prince Albert
    Prince Andrew
    Prince Arthur
    Prince Charles
    Prince Edward
    Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie
    Prince Felipe
    Prince George
    Prince Harry
    Prince Philip
    Prince Reza Pahlavi
    Prince Rupert
    Princess Anne
    Princess Louise
    Prince Victor
    Prince William
    Profiles
    Progressivism
    Quebec
    Queen Anne
    Queen Elizabeth I
    Queen Elizabeth II
    Queen's Counsel
    Queen Victoria
    Quotes
    Randall Garrison
    R.B. Bennett
    Referendum
    Religion
    Remembrance Day
    Republicans
    Restoration
    Richard Bassett
    Rick Peterson
    Right To Be Consulted
    Right To Encourage
    Right To Warn
    Robert Finch
    Robert Pichette
    Robertson Davies
    Rob Moore
    Romana Didulo
    Royal 22nd Regiment
    Royal Anthems
    Royal Christmas Message
    Royal Jubilee
    Royal Tour
    Royal Warrant
    Saskatchewan
    Saudi Arabia
    Science
    Scott Aitchison
    Scott Morrison
    Sir David Kirke
    Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley
    Six Nations
    Social Media
    Stephen Harper
    Succession
    Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah
    Supreme Court Of Canada
    The Ceremonial Guard
    The Constitution
    The Enlightenment
    The Mad Monarchist
    The Phoenix Project
    Tim Besley
    Timeline
    Tim Thompson
    Tom Freda
    Tom Mulcair
    Tony Abbott
    Tony Clement
    Top 10 List
    United States
    Victoria Day
    Viscount Monck
    Wallis Simpson
    Walter Bagehot
    Wet'suwet'en
    Winston Churchill
    W. L. Morton
    Young Monarchists
    Yukon
    Zahedi Center

    RSS Feed

    Picture
    Proud Supporter of the Monarchist League of Canada
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Proud Supporter of Connecting Albert County
    Picture
    Elsie Wayne 1932-2016
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.