This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the reign of HM Queen Elizabeth II, and through out her many realms millions are celebrating this grand women who is a symbol of unity, freedom, and hope. So in her honor I write this blog about my experience with the Queen...It was the summer of 2010 and I'd received an invitation from the Queens Canadian secretary requesting my presence at Her Majesties official residence, Rideau Hall, for a summer garden party.
What an experience. The food was simple but elegant, trays piled high with cucumber sandwiches and child sized urns bubbling away with tea fit for a Queen. All under grand white canopies, and obviously it wouldn't be a royal occasion with out ladies wearing BIG hats.
When the Queen was ready to receive her guests, I was ushered to my place behind the Chief Justice of Canada and the Speaker of the House of Commons, but before the late Jack Layton, leader of the New Democrats. Then with a barrage of excitement came an army of official photographers walking backwards to get the best picture of Canada's Queen and Prime Minister, as they walked out the french doors onto the terrace.
There she was, a tiny women in blue with a small handbag. The Queen of Canada and Empress of India (formerly). As she slowly greeted her subjects, I waited with bated breath to be received by my Queen and Sovereign. Then it came, I bowed my head and said "your Majesty" and she stretched out her hand and said "good day" and then and there I'd shook hands with the Queen. At that point Her Majesty had noticed my tie, which prominently displayed L V Beethoven. She then touched the tie and remarked on the music written on it and asked If I had sung Beethoven, to which I replied "yes ma'ma, I've performed Adelaida on many occasions" and she said "Very good! We do enjoy Beethoven, keep singing." and then walked to the next guest. It was one of those moments you never forget. But it get's better!
After the Queen had gone on to the other guests, HRH Prince Philip came up to me in a very casual way and literally hit my shoulder, after the formalities of " your Royal Highness", and said " It's so good to see you again, when might you be performing in London?" dumbstruck that the Duke of Edinburgh even know who I was, I replied "very soon hopefully" to which he said "very good, will have to see you at Buckingham more often." and then patted my shoulder and left. After he left one of the Queens ladies handed me a small card and said to contact the Princes House Hold next time I'm in London.
It really was one of those magical moments that makes life great...
Mangia Mangia your Majesty, Happy 6Oth!
Your Loyal Servant,
Dustin H.
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