At a time when the world is in financial turmoil and people are looking for some stability, Queen Elizabeth II is as good a person to look to as anyone.
Not just for the Commonwealth countries over which she symbolically rules, but as a global picture of modest leadership.
Recent polls show that support for maintaining Canada’s ties to the monarchy are on the upswing among English-speaking Canadians.
Part of that reversal of trend from say, five or six years ago, is likely due to last year’s royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton.
But large kudos have to be given to William’s grandmother, who has traditionally held her own in polls when it comes to popularity or respect, regardless of the general feeling about the monarchy.
In the 60-plus years since her coronation, Queen Elizabeth has quietly done her job as the head of state, sparking very little controversy and avoiding interference in political matters, especially those of countries other than Britain.
For now, the Queen, 86, shows few signs of slowing down, especially as she heartily celebrates the start of her seventh decade on the throne with a series of celebrations at home and abroad.
To be sure, the future of the monarchy as it relates to Canada will one day require more serious discussions than relying on poll results.
But with the Canadian public remaining as enthralled with the Royal Family as any other type of international celebrities, our links to the Queen and the Crown appear firmly entrenched.
As we muddle our way through tough times, that’s comforting to know.
—Black Press
