In the Presence of Her Majesty

When I walked past a sign bearing the warning: "Caution: long dresses could get caught in the escalator" I knew I was at a fancy place.
Lavish enough for Her Majesty.
I wrote last week with bated breath, waiting for a bus that promised to take me to the Royal York where Queen Elizabeth II was scheduled to dine that evening.
I was covering the Duke of Edinburgh awards, where Thornbury's own Melissa Goldmintz was being honoured.
I first saw His Royal Highness at a distance. He walked in a procession with musical accompaniment. Then the lights went out, and when flash thoughts of "TERRORIST ATTACK!" subsided, the ceremony continued - though under the faded glow of emergency lights.
I watched the jovial Prince Philip greet each of the 140 student and their parents with a cheerful grin and light step.
Then my thoughts turned to Her Majesty's dinner plate, or rather, the people preparing it.
Imagine having to cook a state dinner for Queen Elizabeth II ... without power!
You can't exactly order pizza or barbecue some hot dogs.
Well, I think they managed, because everything continued on schedule, and the lights came back on just moments before everyone was scheduled to arrive on the red carpet for dinner.
I stood behind the CBC cameras, surrounded on all sides by camera lenses that could see into space.
It was the Royal York hotel, tricked out in all the in-case-the-Queen-comes tapestries. The Canadian Tenors checked their microphones on the stage next to me.
Guests arrived in gowns and tuxedoes. Some uniformed men and women among them.
I know it's cheesy to say, but it's true, the room was hushed completely. Everyone stood and looked toward the red carpet where Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II entered the room on the arm of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, her dinner host.
It was probably because of the cascading maple leafs made of Swarovski Crystals that poured from her shoulder down her arm, or the diamond necklace and earrings, or maybe the diamond tiara, but, to me, the Queen glowed.
I checked my photos later, and it definitely seems as though Her Majesty is emitting light.
Each voice in the room was strong, confident and proud as both verses of God Save the Queen rang out.
It means something more when Her Majesty is in the room to hear the blessing.
I watched her as long as I was allowed to stay, and it was a true privilege to hear her address the room.
She spoke beautifully - in French and English - her eloquence was inspiring.
The Queen of Canada admired the values "enshrined in law and ... found in the hearts of ordinary Canadians."
She finished her address with a subtle nod of her crowned head.
"Commitment to freedom, fairness and the rule of law are commonly and rightly associated with this nation," said Her Majesty. "These are just some of the attributes that animate Canadians at home and abroad, not least in the service of peace. So, although my visit here is drawing to a close, I shall continue to take the greatest pride in being your Queen, now and in the years to come."
Though there may be debate on whether or not Canada should remain attached to the Monarchy, I believe there is value in remaining tied to the Queen.
Aside from any political argument, there is something inspiring about royalty.
I was honoured to be in the presence of my Queen, and humbled that she takes an interest in my nation, enough to visit and congratulate Canada on its efforts toward goodness.
What child does not seek the approval of its parents in his actions? Who is not spurred on by the encouragement and commendation of those he or she looks up to?
To hear the Queen - Her Majesty - tell you she is proud of you - well, there's nothing so rewarding, nothing so inspiring.