Royal Family visits Canadian troops in Afghanistan

[g_bambino]

This month, Canadian Forces personnel serving in Afghanistan received two visits from members of our Royal Family: Princess Anne at the beginning of March and Prince Charles just this past week.

Princess Anne made a surprise visit to British and Canadian troops serving in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday.

Queen Elizabeth II's only daughter spent time in the British forces' main Camp Bastion base and visited Canadian troops in Kandahar.

The princess, 59, who holds several honorary ranks within the British and Canadian militaries, carried out the majority of the visits on Monday.

Princess Anne visits troops in Afghanistan

The Prince of Wales this morning arrived in Kabul, Afghanistan.

His Royal Highness attended a meeting with... the Canadian Ambassador (His Excellency Mr. William Crosbie) and... afterwards met soldiers from Commonwealth Armed Forces.

Court Circular

It's unfortunate that the Canadian media doesn't report on these visits like it does for similar trips made by our politicians and the Governor General. Nonetheless, I believe the royals are doing a valuable service to our armed forces. I'm sure some of those amongst us who are or were serving members of the CF could correct me if I'm wrong, but I imagine they're considered by military personnel to be more meaningful, particularly because the trips are made out of a sense of duty rather than for any political point scoring. A British commander said the following, but I think it would be equally felt by Canadians:

"This visit has been a great morale boost for the troops," said Captain Jo Barr, Adjutant of Bastion Joint Operating Base.

"They see that dignitaries like the Princess Royal are genuinely interested in what we do out here."

[Smallc]

The visit actually was reported (both of them), but I hadn't seen that Prince Charles had visited Canadian troops.

[g_bambino]

The visit actually was reported (both of them), but I hadn't seen that Prince Charles had visited Canadian troops.

Yes, it was the specific meetings with Canadians that I said the Canadian media - well, most media, actually - ignored; the CBC reported on Charles' time in Afghanistan as though he only spent time with British troops and British diplomats. Why, I wonder? Horribly lazy journalism? Covert republicanism? It can't be that Canadians simply aren't interested, or else the story would have been ignored all-together.

Good on the both of them for going, though. We should be seeing more connection between our Royal Family and the armed forces, not less. Charles' role in Remembrance Day here last year was brilliant.

[Smallc]

Yes, it was the specific meetings with Canadians that I said the Canadian media - well, most media, actually - ignored; the CBC reported on Charles' time in Afghanistan as though he only spent time with British troops and British diplomats.

Correct, and it's very unfortunate. They did report on the other royal visit though.

[Muddy]

The Royal family has never shirked their duty to the military and have put themselves in harms way. Her Royal Highness ,Princess Alexandra will be attending a dinner of my Regiments, Queens Own Rifles of Canada 150th birthday.

She is a grand lass, but this is her last occasion as our Col.in Chief. She has held her post longer than fifty years.Longer than I have been associated with this storied regiment.

I am always moved by the anthem. God Save The Queen.

I am looking forward to this 150 th Birthday/reunion on the 23,24 and 25 of April at the Harbour Castle in Toronto. Anyone interested qor2010 is the address to gain further information.

God Save the Queen..

[eyeball]

I am always moved by the anthem.

I bet you also look up to Harper as a child looks up to their father.

[Muddy]

I bet you also look up to Harper as a child looks up to their father.

Actually I don`t much like Harper. I will compliment people when deserving though because I am a gentleman.Harper has nothing to do with my oath to Her Majsety that I swore to half a century ago.

[maple_leafs182]

Why do these guys still exist.

There is nothing royal about the royal family.

[Smallc]

Why do these guys still exist.

There is nothing royal about the royal family.

Such ignorance.

[Sir Bandelot]

It shows that most Canadians do not care about the Royals. They are irrelevant to the average Canadian. The pomp and circumstance that is royalty holds no appeal.

But feel free to genuflect before their majestic grace, if it works for you. No one will complain.

Edited March 29, 2010 by Sir Bandelot

[Muddy]

It shows that most Canadians do not care about the Royals. They are irrelevant to the average Canadian. The pomp and circumstance that is royalty holds no appeal.

But feel free to genuflect before their majestic grace, if it works for you. No one will complain.

The Americans who had a bloody war to rid themselves of the Monarchy now fall all over themselves when the Royals visit.They are above politicians ,sports hero`s or hollywood actors. Our history as country is steeped in tradition within our military and parliaments. Although I love my American cousins the Monarchy has been instumental in keeping us different than Americans and I personally am glad of that. The Monarchy costs us nothing nor does it the British.

[g_bambino]

Why do these guys still exist.

Because we'd be worse off without them, having to rely on some self-interested politician or celebrity to fill in as an example to our servicemen and women; serve your country, as long as it brings some benefit to your personal fortune.

[g_bambino]

The Monarchy costs us nothing nor does it the British.

Welll... To be fair, the institution of the monarchy does cost us - as any other presidential alternative would. We don't pay the Royal Family any salary, though.

[g_bambino]

It shows that most Canadians do not care about the Royals. They are irrelevant to the average Canadian.

Then why did the Canadian media report on the visits at all?

[Hydraboss]

Then why did the Canadian media report on the visits at all?

Out of a sense of duty as Canadian media. What page of the paper were the visits on?

I would rather see Christina Aguilera or Lady Gaga visit the troops. Entertain them and show some T&A. I work with several retired military (mostly PPCLI) and every time anything about the royals comes up it doesn't even get a blink. They couldn't care less.

The royals don't mean a damn thing to soldiers in theater. Give em a beer, a video message from home and a twenty-something hottie strutting around on stage. "That'll do pig, that'll do".

[Muddy]

Welll... To be fair, the institution of the monarchy does cost us - as any other presidential alternative would. We don't pay the Royal Family any salary, though.

When state visits by the Monarchy are held people gather. When people gather they buy things. When people buy things it produces taxes and employment. In other words the Monarchy generates money. It pretty well is a wash to be quite truthful. I lovr the pomp and ceremony to be honest. This is part of our history and traditions.

[g_bambino]

Out of a sense of duty as Canadian media.

The media doesn't report out of a sense of duty; it reports on what will attract readers.

I would rather see Christina Aguilera or Lady Gaga visit the troops. Entertain them and show some T&A.

Those gals fill the role of entertainers. But, I don't know why you think that's relevant. The Royal Family aren't the Partridge Family, and Lady Gaga sure ain't an example of volunteerism and selfless service to one's country.

[ToadBrother]

When state visits by the Monarchy are held people gather. When people gather they buy things. When people buy things it produces taxes and employment. In other words the Monarchy generates money. It pretty well is a wash to be quite truthful. I lovr the pomp and ceremony to be honest. This is part of our history and traditions.

I have to admit, I've never heard of justifying the monarchy on the grounds that they sell lots of souvenirs. That is a new one.

At any rate, technically speaking, the Queen is the head of our armed forces, and Charles will be (maybe), so it doesn't seem so very odd for a high-ranking Royal to visit our troops.

[Muddy]

I have to admit, I've never heard of justifying the monarchy on the grounds that they sell lots of souvenirs. That is a new one.

At any rate, technically speaking, the Queen is the head of our armed forces, and Charles will be (maybe), so it doesn't seem so very odd for a high-ranking Royal to visit our troops.

Well I am trying you must admit

.Once about 1960 Princess Alexandra was inspecting the regiment. The guys were being soaked to the skin on the parade square. The Princess sent her aid away with the umbrella . Then continued the inspection. Do you know what that does for moral. She is held in high regard by us old timers.

[M.Dancer]

The Queen Mother (colonel in chief of many Canadian regiments) was asked to leave london duroing the Nazi bombing...

"The children won't go without me. I won't leave the King. And the King will never leave."

[Muddy]

The Queen Mother (colonel in chief of many Canadian regiments) was asked to leave london duroing the Nazi bombing...

"The children won't go without me. I won't leave the King. And the King will never leave."

That was leadership. A family of influence and money setting their personal safety aside to inspire their people. A courageous family.

[Sir Bandelot]

The media doesn't report out of a sense of duty; it reports on what will attract readers.

Your title says "ignored by msm". But now you're saying it wasn't ignored, because that's what the readers want.

[Smallc]

Your title says "ignored by msm". But now you're saying it wasn't ignored, because that's what the readers want.

It was not portrayed correctly more than anything.

[g_bambino]

Your title says "ignored by msm". But now you're saying it wasn't ignored, because that's what the readers want.

My title says the visit to Canadian troops was ignored by the MSM.

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Edited March 30, 2010 by g_bambino