I was 10 years old when my mom took me to see Queen Elizabeth II. It was 1973, and, of all things, she was giving a royal touch to the opening of the Scarborough Civic Centre.
More than 15,000 Torontonians lined the route of the Queen's motorcade. Many of the women, including my mom, were wearing hats, and many of the men sported jackets and ties. I also distinctly remember my mom wearing white gloves, "because you have to look good for the Queen."
My late mom and Queen Elizabeth II were contemporaries. Mom was born in October, 1925, Queen Elizabeth about six months later. In a way, they grew up together, experiencing depression, war, and the heady post-war expansion years following Elizabeth's coronation in 1953.
As our head of state, Queen Elizabeth II was a symbol of tradition, solidity and resilience. Her Christmas messages were a mainstay in our household, as she addressed the issues of the day and provided reassurance and hope in difficult times. Her face was on our stamps, coins and paper currency, making her omnipresent in our lives.
As Canada has grown as an independent nation, our links to Great Britain and the monarchy have slowly eroded. But they haven't disappeared, and many a tear will be shed in the wake of the passing of one of the most iconic symbols of the 20th-century.
With Queen Elizabeth II gone, and the future of the overall monarchy uncertain, will fewer Canadians choose to visit Britain? I don't think so.
While many newer Canadians don't have ancestral ties to Britain, there's still a sizeable percentage that do. And, partly thanks to the glamour and pomp of the monarchy, there's still strong interest in the trappings of Queen and crown - the palaces and jewels, the guards with their tall hats and crimson uniforms. Even if the monarchy eventually does fade away, interest in its history will continue.
Visiting Britain helps Canadians understand our own history. But more than that, it is one of the world's great destinations - for architecture, art, theatre, cuisine, culture and scenic beauty. And London is one of the world's most spectacular cities, eminently worthy of repeated visits.
The Queen is gone, but the Canadian love of UK travel is sure to continue. The ties and attractions are simply too deep.
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