Daughter of former Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan reminisces about the day she met the Queen
Hello Kate,
I read and loved your article about the ghost in the Kerrobert Courthouse.
I was raised in Kerrobert and know the courthouse, but never saw the ghost.
My father was R.L. Hanbidge, 12th Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan. The death of Queen Elizabeth made me reminisce.
If you find the following interesting, you may use it any way you wish.
— Cheerybye, Benni (Hanbidge) Chisholm
Robert Hanbidge - Former Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, photo courtesy of Benni Hanbidge Chisholm
END OF A 70 YEAR ERA
September 8th, 2022
Memories of 1951 now float to mind. In the Veterans’ wing of the University Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, I, a student nurse, pushed a war veteran in his wheelchair to the gymnasium to see Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Standing behind my patient, I watched the petite young woman’s eyes focus on him and heard her ask intelligent questions to which he eagerly responded. As a freckled face girl, I was entranced by her clear, smooth complexion. In 1952 the princess became a queen, and the student became a registered nurse.
In 1967, to celebrate Canada’s hundredth birthday, Queen Elizabeth invited the Prime Minister, Governor General, Provincial Premiers, Lieutenant Governors and their spouses to dinner on the HM Royal Yacht Britannia. Sadly, ill health disallowed my mother from attending, so my dad, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, asked me to accompany him. Dressed in formal attire, we went by tender from Kingston, Ontario, to the anchored royal yacht. Aboard, I was ushered over to meet His Royal Highness, Duke of Edinburgh. I don’t remember much of our scintillating conversation, but I do remember his alluring charm. At dinner, I sat between the staid Premier of Ontario and the humorous Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. A steward catered to our every need, gold and silver centrepieces blinded my eyes, duck with orange sauce was to die for, and Her Majesty’s welcoming speech was gracious.
Shaking her hand in the after-dinner receiving line, I again noted her gorgeous complexion. Automatically I thanked her for a lovely evening - OMG - I was not to speak until spoken to. Embarrassed, I placed my hand over my mouth, and she burst out laughing. I always admired Queen Elizabeth 11, but at that moment, I think I loved her. Now I mourn her passing.