[EN IMAGES] Prince Charles and his wife Camilla embarked on a tour of Canada

Ottawa | As the craze for monarchy in the country has historically been low, Prince Charles landed in Canada without fanfare for a low-key royal visit.

“We are deeply touched by your welcome and we will take it with us on our visit,” the heir to the throne delivered a speech prepared when he landed in Newfoundland on Tuesday for the first stopover of his three-day tour. .

But with the exception of a few children, officials and journalists, there were no crowds on the road for Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, who were heading to Ottawa on Wednesday and to Yellowknife on Thursday.

Fifty-one percent of Canadians and 71% of Cubans are now ready for the monarchy to disappear, so Canada will appoint its own head of state, according to an Angus Reed poll published a month ago.

The same pollster said in November that 66% of Canadians opposed Charles’ head of state, an increase of 12% over 2016.

When Charles Elizabeth II’s landing in Newfoundland in 1997 to mark the arrival of the British ship 500 years ago, Prince Charles did not deserve the spectators who surrounded her. Matthew.

Indigenous genocide

The event was attended by 30,000 people. Nearly forty aboriginal protesters also took the opportunity to commemorate the genocide of the Beatuk people who lived in Newfoundland when the Europeans arrived. The last representative of this people died in 1829.

“I encourage you to learn the truth about our history, good and bad,” Governor-General Mary Simon welcomed the Prince. Along with Prime Minister Trudeau, she called for “understanding” and “respect” to promote reconciliation.

“I know our visit this week comes at an important time when locals and non-natives across Canada are committed to honestly and openly reflecting on the past,” Prince said.

Demanded an apology

When he met Charles and Camilla in Rydo Hall this evening, it was not enough for Cassidy Karen, president of the Metis National Council, to formally apologize to the Queen on behalf of the victims of the residential school.

Similarly, during a visit to the Caribbean in March by Prince William and his wife, Kate, protesters demanded that the monarchy pay compensation and apologize for its role in the slave trade.

Without providing the requested royal apology and recognition, Prince Charles said he was “looking forward to hearing and finding out about the future you are working to build”.

“It’s nothing more special than being part of this adventure,” he added.

Simple replacement

At age 73, the heir to the throne is now in the place of the gradually growing frail Queen Elizabeth II. Her visit marks the Platinum Jubilee of the 96-year-old sovereign who ascended the throne 70 years ago.

The Trudeau government announced Monday that it will spend $ 2.14 million on celebrations and community projects to mark the Platinum Jubilee.

According to figures from our Bureau of Investigation in January 2021, it will cost Canadians an average of $ 67.1 million a year for the monarchy.