“Along with millions of people around the world today, I was saddened to learn about the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of all Members of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the Royal family. My thoughts are also with all countries of the Commonwealth whom Her Majesty faithfully served throughout her remarkable reign. A beloved sovereign and a respected figure among leaders the world over, Queen Elizabeth II was a symbol of our nation’s historical and continuing connection to the British monarchy and also of the role of the constitutional monarchy in Canada.”
During her life Queen Elizabeth II visited Alberta six times. Her first visit to the province was in 1951, when she was Princess Elizabeth. Her most recent visit, was during Alberta’s centennial year in 2005. On May 24, 2005, Her Majesty addressed the Legislative Assembly of Alberta in the Chamber, becoming the first reigning monarch to do so.
In 2012, the Legislative Assembly of Alberta hosted public events to celebrate Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee; garden parties took place at the Legislature Grounds and at the McDougall Centre in Calgary. Over the past year we have been celebrating the Platinum Jubilee.
Queen Elizabeth II was the longest reigning British monarch and leaves behind a strong legacy of public service through the over 600 royal patronages across the Commonwealth, including 36 charitable organizations in Canada, attached to her name. Her work also highlighted the critical role of the Canadian Forces; she served as Colonel-in-Chief, Captain General and Air Commodore-in-Chief for numerous units, including the Calgary Highlanders and the King's Own Calgary Regiment.
Albertans will have the chance to honour the life and legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in the coming days. There will be books of condolence for public signing in the Legislature. A Celebration of Life will follow. Further details about these public memorials are forthcoming.