When it comes to royalty, Lloydminster is no stranger to having the English royal family visit.
The tallest mayor in Lloydminster, Russ Robertson, was there to greet Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Phillip and Andrew in 1978.
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Fast forward a couple of years to the royal visit in 2003. I didn’t even realize there was any royalty there for Lloydminster’s centennial.
After a large effort from Lloydminster residents, Prince Edward, the then Earl of Wessex, made the trip to the Border City. People studied up on how to greet the prince. I learned you refer to royals by their titles, not by their names, which makes sense.
When he arrived in Lloydminster on June 20, 2003, he was greeted by Mayor Ken Baker and his wife, Jean. The goal was to get the prince over to city hall to do royal things. He planted a tree by city hall using the illustrious golden shovel, maybe even the same one Queen Elizabeth II used in 1978.
A plaque was presented commemorating his visit. Prince Edward signed a guest book marking the momentous occasion. He signed a proclamation, proclaiming that moment as an integral part of Lloydminster history. In the visit itinerary, it had Prince Edward signing a time capsule. There weren’t photos of it happening, but I’m sure it did happen.
It was then the city’s goal to get Prince Edward over to the Lloydminster Convention Centre for some lunch. As he walked by, children sang in the streets and people waved on.
About 300 people enjoyed the lunch with the prince. There were speeches by dignitaries and a presentation of gifts. Prince Edward even received a cool-looking plate and a nice-looking oil display. I wonder if he kept them.
The trip, by all accounts, was a tremendous success. Prince Edward spoke of the warmth of the welcome from the Border City, the genuine spirit and sincere hospitality he received while here.
The visit was no small feat. Years of organizing and countless individuals were involved to help bring the royal here. There was a scenario that had to be mapped out for his visit, regardless of what the circumstance may have been. There were hundreds of emails back and forth, which led to my favourite tidbit of the royal visit.
There was talk about renaming the park on the east side of city hall in honour of the prince’s visit. The desire was to name it something like, The Earl and Countess of Wessex Park. Fitting name, the prince was just there.
There were plenty of other names and terms thrown around, something like Wessex Square was pitched.
But it was one particular email that really caught my eye, one that examined a variety of options for renaming the park.
The term quadrangle was thrown out as a possible option, among others. I think it would be the most fitting term to call the park; it really rolls off the tongue.
An important side note, the city didn’t want to rename the park, so they didn’t. But if they did or do, they should call it the Memorial Quadrangle of the Earl and Countess of Wessex. It’s short, sweet and really sells the royal visit. Hopefully it catches on.
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