One can always count on two events taking place whenever a member of Britain’s Royal Family visits Canada. The first is that far too many citizens of this country become colonial subjects, despite the fact that the British Empire no longer exists. The media is so deferential toward the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, its practitioners become supplicants for an anachronistic institution that deserves no place in our post-colonial 21st century world of decreased nation-statism. The second event is that the Monarchist League of Canada demonstrates signs of life, having temporarily found a raison d’etre. Indeed, the League’s description of Prince Charles’ latest Canadian visit, although his first with Camilla, is typically grandiose.

The Monarchist League of Canada greets Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall as they embark on an exciting 11-day journey across our country. Their Royal Highnesses will be welcomed by Canadians in Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia. This Royal Homecoming provides Canadians with an opportunity to reacquaint themselves with our future King and head of state as well as to get to know the Duchess, who will have the chance to explore her own family connection with Canada.

After the Prince and Duchess leave on Nov. 12, the League will return to its slumbering state. Monarchy-obsessed Canadian citizens will be freed of their subject mentality and can resume their lives in an actual sovereign state. Over the next week, however, those of us who dislike the Royals can amuse ourselves with SCTV’s Sex Pistols parody, the Queen Haters.

Take that, Jennie Bond.

Email