Daily BrewLac-Megantic train disaster makes Queen Elizabeth sad
The fatal train explosion and corresponding tragedy in Lac-Megantic this past weekend has captured the attention of our royal friends in England, with the Queen herself expressing remorse at the loss of life on Tuesday.
Governor General David Johnston passed along this message, sent from Queen Elizabeth to all Canadians:
It was with profound sadness that I learned of the tragic events that have befallen the town of Lac-Mégantic. The loss of life and livelihoods has shocked us all. Prince Philip joins me in hoping that in time it will be possible to rebuild both the property and the lives of those who have been affected. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
It's surely a fine note, albeit one that comes four days after the tragic explosion of a runaway train filled with crude oil decimated the small Quebec community.
But it's surely nice to know that someone in the Royal Family took note of our suffering and --
Whoops. Apparently the remorse doesn't end there.
[ More Brew: Company says Lac-Megantic disaster train was tampered with ]
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall also caught wind of the tragedy and sent along their own thoughts and prayers.
Here is the start of that message:
I wanted you to know how deeply my wife and I feel for the people of the Québécois community of Lac-Mégantic who are suffering from the appalling disaster which has engulfed their town. We can only begin to imagine what they are going through and our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by such a dreadful tragedy. I pray you will be able to convey our feelings of profound concern to the Premier of Quebec and the people of the province.
Charles goes on to say that it is a shame such a tragedy would come so soon after last month’s Alberta flood.
Funny he mentioned that. His son William and his wife Kate just finished letting us know how sad they were about that particular piece of Canadian misery.
[ More Brew: Lac-Megantic residents angry over loss of life, history ]
Is it just me, or have the royals more attentive than usual to the pain and suffering befalling us out here in their western outpost? Maybe it is just that so much tragedy has occurred recently, but it seems Queen Elizabeth and her brood have been quicker to express sadness on our behalf as of late.
It seems a bit too conspiratorial to mention that Canada and its court system could play the wildcard in upcoming lineage debates. Kate Middleton is about to give birth and a Canadian legal challenge surrounding the succession of her child, should it be a girl, could end up confusing the whole process. That whole yarn is available here.
So, if not that, what is keeping the Royal Family so focused on our misery? Familial bond? A desire to foster stronger ties? Schadenfreude?
In any event, thanks for the notes, Royal Family. We'll try not to bum you out too much going forward.
FYI, Toronto had some pretty bad rain this week. If flooded basements pull at your heartstrings, best be prepared.
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