Wake Up Winnipeg - Her Majesty The Queen is Coming!

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the duke of Edinburg will be visiting Winnipeg on July 3, 2010 for an approximated 6 hour visit.

While reviewing local events, I learned on twitter that Chrisd.ca had posted an announcement by Manitoba Homecoming 2010 that a concert is being planned at the forks featuring artists that we had worked with and interviewed here both on Wake Up Winnipeg and The Aimless & Andy Show before on our show including:

Inward Eye (Episode 28)
Sierra Noble (Episode 30)
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet (Episode 35)

Ironically enough, The Winnipeg Free Press posted Her Majesty's itinerary in their daily news paper today (6/16/2010). I found it while reviewing the paper at the university radio station today.

In the article The Free Press reports the following schedule:

The schedule: Saturday, July 3, 2010.

12:20 p.m.: Arrive at the James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, new terminal building. Dedication ceremony for new airport

12:55 p.m.: Depart airport for Government House

1:15 p.m.: Arrive at Government House

1:35 p.m.: Pre-luncheon reception

1:50 p.m.: Luncheon hosted by the lieutenant governor of Manitoba. Invited guests include the War Brides Association of Manitoba, the Monarchist League of Manitoba, the Royal Commonwealth Society of Manitoba, Folklorama Youth Ambassadors, youth and their family from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and recipients of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

4:20 p.m.: Royal walkabout in gardens of Government House, including unveiling of relocated statue of the Queen, re-dedication of the gardens, remarks by the lieutenant governor and premier and the planting of a tree.

5 p.m.: Depart for The Forks

5:10 p.m.: Arrive at The Forks via the Esplanade Riel footbridge

5:20 p.m.: Dedication ceremony for Canadian Museum for Human Rights including cornerstone unveiling, and a walkabout.

5:40 p.m.: Arrive at the Scotiabank Stage for Manitoba Homecoming Concert for Human Rights

6 p.m.: Queen addresses the nation from The Forks
6:05 p.m.: Depart for the Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg
6:30 p.m.: Arrive at the Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg and give their farewells.
6:40 p.m.: Depart Winnipeg for Toronto

If you are at all interested in this historical event, it has been suggested to public to head to The Forks Marketplace early as this will be the prime opportunity to view Her Majesty. . . and probably the most fun event as well!

I hope to bring you more information on this event in the days to come. In the mean time; here are some quick tips which might help you brush up and prepare for a visit with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

-Av

(Source: Wikipedia)

Born: 21 April, 1926.
Queen since: 6 February 1952.
Officially titled: Her Majesty, Queen of Canada (French: Reine du Canada).
Greeting: Her Majesty (Introduction); Ma'am as needed.
Handshake: No! (observe the no touch rule of etiquette)

Women do a small curtsy and men bow their heads when meeting the queen.

According to: Elegant Women.org

Like shaking hands, the queen's visitors have to wait until she extends her hand to them.

As mentioned, no gripping or pumping handshakes. And definitely no hugs, no kiss on the cheek, no touching the shoulder, putting your arm around the queen.

It is not socially acceptable to even take her elbow to direct her.

Suggested royal formal wear during visit:

For this, I went local and contacted a wonderful woman at Labelle's Bridal Boutique and asked what her opinion on formal wear would be. This is what her and I came up with:

FORMAL Luncheon:

Women - Formal Summer Dress Required, conservative, plain, one solid, color.

As posted on Yahoo Answers:

A formal dress is mandatory. Not a cocktail dress. Matching shoes and bag. Pearls are always a nice touch but either way a nice piece of jewelry again nothing to gaudy as this person can wear the crown jewels and hard to impress that way.

Men: 3 piece black and white tuxedo. Mandatory. No Questions asked.

SMART CASUAL for the Music Festival.
Suggestions:

Women - Solid Cocktail Dresses are appropriate.
Men - Darker colors, khaki and short sleeve polo's appropriate.

What to do if entering into conversation with Her Majesty:

If the queen chooses engage in friendly conversation with you, it is suggested to be yourself and do not ask about personal matters or family matters unless it is pertaining to her Grand Children Prince Harry and Prince William.

Stick with "Your Majesty" and then "Ma'am" as we suggested above.

Be natural. Do not fake a British Accent. During the conversation, make gentle eye contact, be a Friendly Manitoban and be soft.

Enjoy the royal visit Winnipeg, and please make us proud.

-Andru.

(ED Note: Thank you to staff at Labelle's, Yahoo Answers, and http://www.elegantwoman.org/ for your help in this article - Av)