Elizabeth II and Prince Philip arrive in Halifax for a nine-day tour
The regal octogenarians gingerly walked down the slippery steps of their Canadian Forces jet at Halifax airport on their 23rd visit to Canada and the Queen’s 22nd since becoming sovereign in 1952. Luckily, or perhaps by regal feat, the torrential downpour eased into a soggy mess just in time for the royal couple to tour a Mi’kmaq cultural event—honouring the 400th anniversary of the baptism of Grand Chief Henri Membertou in 1610—and listen to welcoming speeches. Then it was the Queen’s turn: “My mother once said that this country felt like a home away from home for the Queen of Canada. I am delighted to report that it still does, and I am delighted to be back amongst you all…It is very good to be home.” Tuesday promises to be a busy day. On the agenda is the International Fleet Review, honouring the 100 years of the Canadian navy and a reception named “A Celebration of Nova Scotia.”