NLIS 4
April 15, 2002
(Executive Council)

 

The following statement was issued today by Premier Roger Grimes. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I rise today to recognize the passing of the Queen Mother on March 30 in her 101st year. The Queen Mother was renowned for carrying out her duties with dignity and grace. In recent days, many statements such as "a genuine universal sense of loss" and "one of the most outstanding women of our time" have been used to try and capture this phenomenal royal and the effect of her passing. Such statements attest to the respect and admiration that she evoked in all people of the Commonwealth and, in fact, the world.

The close relationship the Queen Mother had with this province deserves to be recognized. In 1939, the then Queen and her husband King George VI came to St. John�s. For the people of the then Dominion of Newfoundland, this was a monumental visit. In subsequent years, she visited various parts of the country and said "to be here is to be among true and lasting friends." Again in 1967, this province was graced with another visit from the Queen Mother. Once again, she impacted all those she encountered in this province by bringing such a humanness to the monarchy.

One cannot overlook the admiration this royal won from her subjects during the Second World War when she remained by the King�s side in Buckingham Palace, despite the eminent threat of harm from the bombs that tore through the heart of London.

I�m sure I speak for all of my Honourable colleagues when I say that all people throughout the Commonwealth will fondly remember the Queen Mother as the royal who touched the hearts of many, regardless of age, and became known as the monarch of the people. Again, may I say that we are very saddened by her passing, but I am sure that her presence will always be felt among members of the Commonwealth.

2002 04 15                         1:50 p.m.


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