Lieutenant Governor Judy Foote, the Queen’s representative in Newfoundland and Labrador, is expressing profound sadness on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, and is extending her deepest condolences to all members of the Royal Newfoundland.
Queen Elizabeth, the Queen of Canada, visited Canada 22 times throughout her reign—three of those visits were to this province.
Queen Elizabeth II at the 1978 QEII Library sod turning.
Foote says she was saddened and heartbroken, realizing who the Royal Family, the Commonwealth and the world has lost.)
Foote says the Queen’s warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
A book of condolence will be available for the next ten days for members of the public to sign at Government House between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
The flags at Government House have been lowered to half-mast and will remain so throughout the ten-day mourning period.
Bonavista Mayor Recall’s The Queen’s Visit for Cabot 500
Bonavista Mayor John Norman was just 12 years old when the Queen visited the historic town to mark Cabot 500 celebrations and the arrival of the replica of the Matthew from England.
He had the privilege, at that young age, to attend lunch with the Queen. He says the amount of volunteer work that went into preparations to receive the Queen was extraordinary for a town of just 4000 people.
He jokes that everything came together perfectly, except for the weather. “We needed the warm soup” he laughs.
Former Canadian Secretary to the Queen Pays Tribute to Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth in Newfoundland in 1959, via @MUN_asc on Twitter.
Former Canadian Secretary to the Queen, John Perlin says the Queen will best be remembered for her unfailing strength and her dedication to service.
Perlin served as the Canadian Secretary to the Queen from 1989 to 1991, something he calls “an amazing experience.”
“She had as much consideration for me as she did for her hosts,” says Perlin, calling the experience “a fascinating insight.”
He recalled her visit to St. John’s in 1978, and as President of the Regatta Committee at the time he had to break it to the committee that they had to move the gate to accommodate her visit, to which the committee immediately and unanimously agreed. “That was the kind influence and persuasion that her presence could bring.”
He says the Queen watched the regatta and when they asked Ottawa to send forward the request to have the title Royal added to the St. John’s regatta, he was told it would never happen.
“Lo and behold,” says Perlin, “ten days later after it was received in London,” they received their approval.
