Due to the Queen’s 22 visits to Canada, she maintains a particular place in the hearts of many Canadians.
The entrance to Rideau Hall in Ottawa is marked by a bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth II astride a horse, a tribute to a monarch who continued to ride horses well into her tenth decade.
Canada was one of 15 sovereign states over which the Queen reigned at the time of her death, and the country she visited most frequently outside of the United Kingdom.
On many of her 22 visits to Canada as queen, Elizabeth stayed at Rideau Hall, and the grounds bear witness to this with plants she dedicated, including a red maple she planted during her first visit in 1957.
Many of the plaques identifying these trees are now encircled by flowers, while others have signed a condolence book. Here are some of their recollections and memorials:
Braydon from Ottawa remarked, “Her passing signifies the end of a great age, that of our grandparents.
In a world where everything we know is always changing and coming apart, she was always present.
“She has always been the source of stability and continuity.
“In the future, King Charles III will face several difficult choices regarding whether he should maintain the monarchy, particularly here in Canada.
“However, based on what I’ve seen of him thus far, I believe that people will rally around him just as they did his mother.”
Nova Scotia’s June Duncanson-Campbell stated, “Our family has always been monarchists, and I adore everything about the royals.
“On Queen Elizabeth’s birthday, we used to spread miniature British flags throughout the lawn.
“Sadly, I never had the opportunity to meet her in person, but I did see her up close when she visited Ottawa.
“I believe that to her, Canada was a newborn nation, and she saw the potential for so many things here; she has helped Canada grow.”
Ottawa-based Kim McLaughlin stated: “When his father was prime minister, our current prime minister, Justin Trudeau, met the Queen when he was a young boy, and images of them together are rather charming.
“It must have been a really meaningful link for him and for her to have witnessed the son of a former prime minister also occupying that position.
“He felt like he lost someone, like an extended family member. I believe we all feel this way. It is difficult for me to fathom a world without her, and I struggle to do so as well.”
Shepherd, Gyde, from Ottawa, stated: “My uncle was Governor General throughout the 1950s and 1960s, and he had a personal relationship with Queen Elizabeth; as a result, I feel close to her.
She was a grandmother, mother, lover, and great woman. Can you conceive of a greater woman at this time?
Ottawa’s Rosemary Shepherd added: “I greatly like King Charles III’s work on environmental matters.
“He has stated that he will no longer make political statements. However, I hope he works behind the scenes on these concerns.
“I believe he will make a good King.
“It would not be appropriate to compare him to Queen Elizabeth. However, he is a good man, as was his father.”
Ian Burleton of Shropshire remarked: “She was a distinguished lady, and I believe we will miss her.
“I hope that the crown will continue to advance indefinitely.
“I’m aware that we’re having problems with the world, but I believe we should just adhere to the Queen’s faith and religion.”
Milly Widdis, from Ottawa, said: “I usually want to take a glimpse at the monarchy when they come to visit Ottawa.
“I like them a great deal, and they are decent people.
“This country was one of her favorites.
“She had a really strong connection to Canada, and she always cherished her visits there. When I heard she had passed away, I was so sorry that I cried.”
