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 HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS
THE PRINCE OF WALES The Prince of Wales, eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh and heir apparent to the throne, was born at Buckingham Palace on November 14, 1948. Upon the death of his grandfather (George VI) in February 1952, he became heir to the throne as his mother ascended the Throne as Queen Elizabeth II. She did so not only as Queen of the United Kingdom but also, and quite distinctly, as Queen of Canada. It was the first time that a sovereign had been proclaimed separately as "Sovereign of Canada". His Royal Highness' earlier education was at Cheam School and at Gordonstoun in Scotland. From 1967 to 1970, he studied at Cambridge University and it was during this period that he was formally invested as Prince of Wales (1969). He graduated from Cambridge in 1970 and the same year visited Canada for the first time, spending two days in the nation's capital before joining his parents and sister for a ten-day tour of the country. It was to prove to be the first of many trips that His Royal Highness was to make and the beginning of a very special relationship with the country and its people. During the 1970s, his military service was extensive and covered a number of service appointments and branches of the armed forces, including the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. It was while serving on HMS Hermes in Canadian waters in 1975 that he spent a week in the Northwest Territories; the Canadian North being an area that continues to hold special attraction for him. Over the next five years, the Prince of Wales returned to Canada on four occasions (1976 - Quebec, 1977 - Alberta, 1979 - British Columbia, 1980 - Ottawa / British Columbia), further cementing his relationship with this country. It was during these and subsequent visits that His Royal Highness was appointed Colonel-in-Chief of four Canadian regiments: Lord Strathcona's Horse ("Royal Canadians" - Edmonton); The Royal Winnipeg Rifles - Winnipeg; The Royal Regiment of Canada - Toronto; and The Royal Canadian Dragoons - Petawawa. On July 29, 1981, The Prince of Wales married Lady Diana Spencer. Together, they visited Canada on three separate occasions - 1983, 1986 and 1991. Their two children, Princes William and Henry (Harry) were born on June 21, 1982 and September 15, 1984 respectively. In December 1992, it was announced that The Prince and Princess of Wales had agreed to separate. They were divorced four years later. The Prince of Wales has since undertaken two further Canadian visits, in 1996 to Ontario, Manitoba and New Brunswick and again in 1998 to British Columbia. On the latter visit, he was accompanied by his two sons and participated in a major initiative that continues to be of great interest and concern to Canadians, especially youth - International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Indeed, His Royal Highness makes a conscious effort to ensure that his visits help profile issues that are both timely and warrant public attention. The Prince of Wales takes a very keen interest in all areas of public life. During Royal Visits to Canada, his involvement covers a wide range of subjects and activities, including youth, the disabled, environment, the arts, medicine, the elderly, heritage conservation and education to name but a few. His Royal Highness' work in Britain also helps to inspire the creation of organizations and efforts in this country. For example, the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting enterprising young people achieve their business dreams, is based on the United Kingdom model. Indeed, a component of the 2001 visit will see His Royal Highness participate at a young Canadian entrepreneurs event in Regina, Saskatchewan. The 2001 visit to Canada will be the 13th undertaken by The Prince of Wales. It will have a strong focus on the important role of volunteers in building Canadian society, given that this year has been designated International Year of Volunteers. His Royal Highness will participate in numerous events where "ordinary Canadians doings extraordinary things" will be honoured by their fellow citizens and country. The visit will cover five days, two regions of the country not previously visited (Saskatchewan and Yukon) and a host of issues of interest to Canadians. The visit will also focus on two key messages: the celebration of our common citizenship, encompassing both a shared heritage and rich diversity, and the celebration of Canadian values, with a particular focus on the important role of volunteers. The itinerary for the visit is as diverse as it is complete and, in this context, will encourage all Canadians to honour and celebrate their country. Planned events and ceremonies will be meaningful, heighten public awareness of the role of our institutions and encourage community-based participation. [ Home Page ] |
