In a triumphant Canadian homecoming during April, the Prince of Wales won over crowds, politicians and a skeptical media in a progress from Ottawa to Saskatchewan, Yukon and Toronto that was at once royal and populist. Meeting and engaging with Canadians in a relaxed way that seemed to energize both Prince and people was the hallmark of Charles' return to Canada. And people clearly were his priority ­ from his accepting Sheila Copps' fond kiss, to the first ebullient welcome in downtown Ottawa, where the thronged crowds kept the Prime Minister waiting 20 minutes, to the prolonged interactions with children gathered everywhere he went, the Heir to the Throne may have thrown off the minute scheduling of protocol officials, but he won to his cause thousands of friends ­ and national television audiences ­ in the process. That signs bearing "Where's Wills" and "I'm your future daughter-in-law" dotted the Prince's vision proved only another element in the vast mileage but very human dimensions of the tour. As were the gifts thrust at him during walkabouts or formally presented, ranging from a belt made from recycled tires to a gorgeous Indian blanket. Notable, too, were media and public alike referring to Charles almost casually in terms such as "our future King."

 

In a series of eloquent speeches, Charles clearly demonstrated his affection for Canada. But it was in his remarks before the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan on April 26 that the Prince asserted the importance of the Crown to the nation, and his claim to the Maple Throne, in unmistakable terms not heard before.

 

After quoting The Queen, who had spoken of the Crown's standing for an ideal, "guaranteed by a common loyalty, through the Sovereign to community and country," in the same Chamber nearly 14 years earlier, HRH said, "In reflecting on The Queen's remarks; in meeting today with her representative in Saskatchewan; in thinking of my wonderfully warm welcome in Ottawa yesterday and my meeting with the Governor General, I'm conscious that the Canadian Crown is indeed a crucial element of Canada's distinctive presence in North America. In announcing my visit itinerary, your Provincial Secretary, Pat Lorje, kindly referred to the heir to the Throne as one of the symbols of Canada's identity. It is a role I could only do my utmost to fulfill, however inadequately." [emphases added ­ Ed]

 

Of more than passing interest, commentators noted, the presentation of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit to His Royal Highness, requiring a special Act of the Legislature completed just days before his arrival, means that the Prince has one Canadian Order he can wear on all occasions ­ for the Advisory Committee of the Order of Canada has not seen fit to recommend his appointment to the Governor General.