It has been quite a year. Queen Elizabeth II oversaw a historic
platinum jubilee. Her death, while saddening, resulted in no
mad rush for the door at the prospect of King Charles III as
republicans had long predicted (hoped?). Instead, the new
king has taken to his role with vigor and the people have been
largely supportive. The Queen's presence benefitted the
monarchy but she knew more than anyone else that the
institution of monarchy isn't about any one person. Over the
last few years she had been slowly easing the public into the
new reign. Quite the contrast with the republican system in
which preparing a successor is almost never seen as desirable.
platinum jubilee. Her death, while saddening, resulted in no
mad rush for the door at the prospect of King Charles III as
republicans had long predicted (hoped?). Instead, the new
king has taken to his role with vigor and the people have been
largely supportive. The Queen's presence benefitted the
monarchy but she knew more than anyone else that the
institution of monarchy isn't about any one person. Over the
last few years she had been slowly easing the public into the
new reign. Quite the contrast with the republican system in
which preparing a successor is almost never seen as desirable.
The King's Christmas Address
"With all my heart I wish each of you a Christmas of peace,
happiness, and everlasting light."
happiness, and everlasting light."
Prince George the Artist
The Prince and Princess of Wales shared a painting by Prince
George a few days ago. It appears he has his grandfather's
talent with the brush.
George a few days ago. It appears he has his grandfather's
talent with the brush.
New Year's Levee
This year will mark the return of the New Year's Levee for
many of Canada's vice-regal offices. It is sometimes forgotten
that the New Year's Levee is a distinctly Canadian tradition
that has its origins in court protocol of the French monarchy
and was adapted by fur traders and early governors of New France (Quebec) as a time to pay one's respects to the crown,
receive news from Europe, and let loose a little bit. British
authorities continued these traditions and are now celebrated
across the country.
many of Canada's vice-regal offices. It is sometimes forgotten
that the New Year's Levee is a distinctly Canadian tradition
that has its origins in court protocol of the French monarchy
and was adapted by fur traders and early governors of New France (Quebec) as a time to pay one's respects to the crown,
receive news from Europe, and let loose a little bit. British
authorities continued these traditions and are now celebrated
across the country.
The Year Ahead
While the last few years have demonstrated the foolishness of
trying to predict what will happen in the coming year there
are a few things to look out for:
The Coronation
While the exact details have not been worked out, the King
rejected the idea of a 'bargain bin' coronation. One change
likely to be seen is in the title 'Defender of the Faith'. The King
has stated in the past that the monarch, while adhering to
one faith, should seek to protect all faiths and stated a
preference for 'Defender of Faith'.
Fiji
The Fijian parliament is in a minority situation and the
coalition government has stated they wish to restore the Great
Council of Chiefs which was previously parliament's upper
house. The Great Council of Chiefs famously continued to
recognize Queen Elizabeth II as paramount chief long after
Fiji became a republic. While I'm not getting my hopes up for
a royal restoration in a country that still uses some of its royal symbols it is a step in the right direction.
Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour
trying to predict what will happen in the coming year there
are a few things to look out for:
The Coronation
While the exact details have not been worked out, the King
rejected the idea of a 'bargain bin' coronation. One change
likely to be seen is in the title 'Defender of the Faith'. The King
has stated in the past that the monarch, while adhering to
one faith, should seek to protect all faiths and stated a
preference for 'Defender of Faith'.
Fiji
The Fijian parliament is in a minority situation and the
coalition government has stated they wish to restore the Great
Council of Chiefs which was previously parliament's upper
house. The Great Council of Chiefs famously continued to
recognize Queen Elizabeth II as paramount chief long after
Fiji became a republic. While I'm not getting my hopes up for
a royal restoration in a country that still uses some of its royal symbols it is a step in the right direction.
Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour
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