Cornwall’s Golden Book, presented to Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Cornwall in July 1967, is currently on display at the Benson Centre. The book, which is usually at City Hall, was signed by both the Queen and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburg during a Royal tour of Canada for the country’s 100th anniversary.
The Golden Book, along with the pen used for the signatures, and a framed picture of the queen are in a glass display next to the information desk at the Benson Centre. A table is set up with flowers and a book of condolences for those who want to pay their respects. The book is expected to be on display there for a few weeks at least.
A Few Updates Since the Queen’s Passing on September 8, 2022:
73-year-old Prince Charles was officially pronounced King Charles III on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at St James’s Palace in London. He was previously the longest serving heir to the throne. His wife, Camilla, will have the title of Queen Consort. Other title changes in the Royal family include Prince William and his wife Catherine. They are now titled Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge. The King has also granted them the title of Prince and Princess of Wales.
Justin Trudeau announced that September 19 will be a National Day of Mourning. However, it is likely that in most provinces only federal employees will have the day off to mourn the Queen. Premier Doug Ford said that he will not make the day a statutory holiday, but encourages Canadians to observe a moment of silence at 1pm on the 19th during the queen’s state funeral in London.
In addition to the state funeral being held in Westminster Abbey in England, there will be several ceremonies taking place in Canada on the 19th to honour Her Majesty’s passing. There will be a special service at Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa, which will be broadcast live and available online for Canadians to see.
According to the Globe and Mail, “The event will begin with a memorial parade in Ottawa, consisting of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police performing a gun salute of one round per year of life. The ceremony will end with a fly-past over Parliament Hill and Christ Church Cathedral by Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18s in the missing man formation.”
On Tuesday evening, a Royal Air Force plane transported the queen’s coffin from Edinburg to London. On the same day, a memorial service was held at St. Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast, Ireland. The service was attended by King Charles, Camilla, U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss, and Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheál Martin.
