London, England, Wednesday, July 19, 2017

All of us gathered here at Canada House are deeply honoured by your visit to celebrate our country’s 150th anniversary of Confederation.

2017 is a momentous year. Not only are we celebrating our sesquicentennial this year, but, Your Majesty, you are also in your Sapphire Jubilee year, marking 65 years as our Sovereign. It is a truly historic year, and Canada has been blessed in so many ways and for so many years with you as our Queen.

Let me thank you, Your Majesty, for the very unique book you are offering as a memento for Canada 150. It’s a beautiful commemorative leather bound book that we will cherish.

In return, to mark such milestones and to thank you for your selfless and devoted service to our country, we wish to present you with a gift.

We were delighted when you recently wore your maple leaf brooch in a lovely photo you shared with us on Canada Day. We know that that brooch was a gift from your father to your mother on the occasion of her first visit to Canada in 1939.

Today, 78 years later, on behalf of all Canadians, I have the honour of presenting you with a special companion to your maple leaf brooch—a snowflake, shaped like the North Star. This brooch was specially handcrafted for you and features unique Canadian beluga sapphires from Baffin Island in Nunavut and diamonds from northern Canada. 

All of us hope that you will be pleased with this gift from the people of Canada. We hope it will serve as a reminder of the immense affection in which you are held.

Again, Your Majesty, Your Royal Highness, your presence here today means a great deal to all of us.

Thank you both once again for your service to our country.