The Diamond Jubilee

H. recently forwarded an article to me by Tristram Hunt *swoon* on the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the legacy of the second Elizabethan era. In it, he quoted a 15 year old Virginia Woolfe remarking that she thought that Queen Victoria must have been tired nodding at the troops parading past her. I don't think that this blog is so important, articulate, and funny that in 115 years time historians will be using it to understand British/ Canadian identity. However, it would be quite wrong if we didn't say a few words on this moment in history given our backgrounds and this blog's raison d'etre.

How will I be celebrating? There was talk of tea and scones with a friend. She's brought back Union Jack napkins and muffin tin liners from her recent research trip to the UK. But, that's it. I appreciate (perhaps more than most) the history of the monarchy and its symbolic significance. I like all the pomp. I do not, however, think that God has anything to do with their privilege or inherited wealth. Afterall, my scholarly training has taught me to curl my lip/ roll my eyes in disdain at the mere mention of monarchy. I was beginning to wonder when the ardent republicans would start their anti-monarchy barrage in the media and then Polly Toynbee published this piece in which she calls these celebratory spectacles a product of "majestic delusion." Banksy also released this print. PT's position is in the minority. She's articulating views shared by the same sections of society that fled the capital during the Royal Wedding. But, there is a strong voice attacking this archaic institution in Britain.

The Queen in techni-colour

Canada's federal government started preparing for these celebrations back in 2007! According to a CBC report, the federal government earmarked $7.5 million towards the whole of the celebrations with $2 million set aside for local celebrations. We've minted new coins, created a special set of stamps, and commissioned portraits as well as stained glass windows to commemorate the event. Two weeks ago, Charles & Camilla even made a blitz of a tour for the occasion. It included a day in Toronto where Charles rode the TTC and learned to DJ. Who says he's not "with it"? But, aside from marking the 60th year of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, why are we doing all of this for a Sovereign that reigns from the other side of the Atlantic ocean?

All of this is part of the PM's efforts to recreate Canadian identity: one that emphasizes a traditional "Queen & country" trope rather than that of diversity. Queen's historian Ian McKay has given several interesting talks on how the New Right has reappropriated Canadian history/ reconceptualized citizenship in order to peddle an ideological agenda. Why aren't Canadians reacting to this very narrow view of Canadian identity? It's also true that I don't see evidence of many people holding hand on heart and pledging allegiance to the Queen. There's no bunting to be seen in these parts. But, the government has set aside $2 million for local parties - this seems excessive. Are we talking about community street parties?! I have an inkling that only members of the Monarchist League of Canada will be making any applications for funds from this program. And, if that's the case, they should feel free to order that case of Krug.

This is indeed an historical event. The last time a Sovereign celebrated a Diamond Jubilee was in 1857. And, judging from who's next in line it's not likely that Charles will reach this feat himself. The tall ships sailing down the Thames will be a sight to see! I'm still baffled as to how the wider Canadian population is receiving these events. Is the Kate & Wills effect - do we love the Windsors more now that we can see Diana's son and his shiny new bride on the horizon of succession? Or do Canadians actually get quite sentimental about those days of Upper & Lower Canada? Are they even teaching this in Grade 9 History classes anymore? Do Canadians care about the royals as more than just figures in the celebrity world?

 

As you toast EIIR with a Dubonnet and gin (30% gin, 70% Dubonnet with a slice of lemon under the ice) this weekend, consider the following:

• Look at how technologically savvy the Palace has gotten: a special YouTube Channel, Twitter and Flickr page http://www.thediamondjubilee.org/ 
• Stephen Harper is also fawning over his personal shrine to the Queen. I imagine Harper's private celebrations to include a reenactment of the 1952 coronation ... he plays all the parts  
• This is a great photo of the Queen as a baby

@SloaneScholar1

 

I certainly feel ill-prepared for the Jubilee compared to my friend @SloaneScholar1. The occasion has snuck up on one, I dare say. My Englishness quotient for the week was somewhat filled by the "Last Night of the Proms" here in Vancouver.

I do plan to attend a Festal Evensong in Vancouver to mark the occasion -- even so far removed from Blighty the Anglican tradition manages to convey the continuity of tradition as much as it does religious heritage. I shall also, of course, watch the coverage on the telly, including the grand Thames River Pageant - which is billed as a once in 300 year event or something equally illustrious. CBC has dispatched Peter Mansbridge to London, which is when you know the occasion is serious. And for Canadians, yes, anything Royal is bound to receive a great deal of attention.

This question of the extent to which we are truly a "Royalist" country is an interesting one and I do think that recent domestic politics have played a role. For many people (in English Canada I should note), it is more a question of being "not non-Royalist." There simply is no solidly organized Republican movement which exists in Australia or, for that matter, the UK itself. Our peculiarly Canadian attitude is a combination of several factors: the most obvious of which must have something to do with our stereotypical niceness. This, combined with our deep-seated desire to be liked, probably best accounts for the type of reception the Royals receive during visits to Canada. While this is rooted in insecurity, there is a flip-side which also somehow makes us less prone to sneer.

The voyageur canoe representing Canada

While, as we have noted before those who wish to be taken seriously as critical British historians must at least feign disdain of all things Royal, there is no such requirement to be regarded as a member of the progressive educated class. In other words, we have no critical mass of Guardian-reader types to turn up our nose at the proceedings, or demand Royal Wedding-free buttons on news websites. The force that this class exerts in Britain is well-expressed by a tweet I espied by comedian and writer Simon Blackwell: "Police advising people at street parties to check regularly on left-leaning middle class neighbours in case they tut themselves to death." Quite.

I was quite chuffed by the fact that a canoe, paddled by Canadians, will be part of the river pageant. In the end I believe this one small element of the Jubilee may best represent our attitude to the monarchy. Eager but modest, enthusiastic but downsized, proud of our heritage but unwilling (dare I make the pun? Dare I?) to rock the boat too much.

@idlehistorian