I do not recall my first visit with Prince Philip. And he likely didn’t remember the first time, or even the second time he came in contact with this loyal subject.
As people around the world mourned his death, sent condolences to the Royal Family and listened with considerable interest to the stories told about the Duke of Edinburgh, it was simply natural to recall his visit to Moose Jaw and to chuckle at his fashion sense and simple comment on the wardrobe of members of Moose Jaw’s Diamond Jubilee Committee.
The 75th anniversary of the city’s incorporation as a city was a year-long celebration undertaken from the beginning to the end of 1978. The highlight of the year was the news that Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and Prince Edward would visit Moose Jaw. They would arrive in the morning to attend church and then would conduct a walk-a-bout through Crescent Park, meeting and greeting the gathered crowds. To conclude the visit they would take a drive down Main Street, eventually ending up at CFB Moose Jaw where they would depart for the next leg of their Canadian visit.
We were thrilled at the news and then spent considerable time at meetings with palace officials to plan the itinerary. Mayor Herb Taylor had a hand in every detail and could not contain his excitement.
The jubilee committee, it was decided, would be front and centre, standing beside a large boulder bearing a plaque that would forever tell of the Royal Family’s visit. The plaque would be unveiled by Queen Elizabeth.
There was much deliberation over how we would dress for the occasion and the decision was made to dress in finery that somewhat reflected what the citizens might have worn in 1903. My friend Carole designed and sewed my dress, bustle and all. I didn’t own a hat but I had in my possession, one of my mother’s gardening hats, which by the way, looked wonderful with my dress and matching purse. We indeed looked like throw-backs to 1903 and could not contain our broad smiles as we stood in line to meet the Royal visitors.
The Queen and the Mayor did the honours with the plaque, the Queen chatted a moment, smiled and then walked on, leaving Prince Philip to greet our group. We curtsied and bowed as we had been taught. He wondered why we were dressed like we were and was told the reason. He looked us over again, nodded and simply said: “Quaint” before moving on. Prince Edward gave us a shy smile and carried on.
We members of the committee were then able to follow the Royal party through the park and we waved at the gathered cheering crowds. It was a delightfully “quaint” day, one we talked about for the remainder of the year and far beyond.
Conversely, I have no memory of the whistle-stop visit of then Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip as the train took on water at my home community. I was only 20 months old and was carried in my mother’s arms.
The community history book carried the following report: “On Oct. 17, 1951 the Royal train stopped at Parkbeg to take on water. This had become known earlier and permission was granted from security to advertise the fact. There were 200 people and 10 RCMP on hand for the occasion. Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip appeared on the platform at the back of the train. It was 8:20 p.m. and a light snow was falling. The crowd sang God Save the King, Jolly Good Fellows, Jingle Bells and There’ll Always Be An England. Princess Elizabeth spoke to some members of the crowd before the train pulled out.”
Princess Elizabeth asked my mother how old I was. I understand my mother provided the details, and I’m sure I behaved myself so as not to embarrass my parents. It is unclear from written and verbal accounts from my family over the years whether Prince Philip expressed any interest in this youngster.
If he had he no doubt would have looked at my pink baby blanket and declared it as “quaint.”
My sincere condolences to the Royal Family, with thanks for two special occasions with Prince Philip.
Joyce Walter can be reached at [email protected]
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
