Earlier this summer I was fortunate enough to spend the afternoon with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the prestigious Queen’s Plate Race in Toronto.
The Queen, and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, arrived after the seventh race and the singing of ‘O Canada’ (by the Canadian Tenors) in a motorcade on the track, with the excitement in the crowd palpable as they transferred into a horse drawn carriage escorted by Mounties and made their way along the track, stopping at the foot of the red carpet. The Queen stepped out of her carriage and was met by thunderous applause. She accepted a bouquet of flowers from a beautiful little girl and made her way to the royal box before the singing of ‘God Save the Queen.’
From where I was seated I had a bird’s eye view of Her Majesty’s head (or hat, I should say!) and it was great fun watching her watch the races. She presented Eurico Da Silva, who rode the horse Big Red Mike to glory, with his prize. But for him it seemed the prize was seeing the Queen. “I’m going to see the Queen!” Da Silva announced jubilantly.
Although the Her Majesty has long returned to Buckingham Palace, the memories of her trip linger. It was truly an afternoon I won’t soon forget, nor will I have to. The CBC will be airing a new documentary, Queen Elizabeth in 3-D this fall and highlights from her visit will be included. Yes, you read that correctly, 3-D! And who says the Queen isn't relevant?
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