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As Queen Elizabeth turns 88, what does Canada think?

As Queen Elizabeth turns 88, what does Canada think?

Those Canadians who are emerging from their Easter reverence or have finally recovered from their chocolate egg overindulgence may be surprised to learn that Monday is a notable day for another reason. It is Queen Elizabeth II's 88th birthday.

But before you get too excited, you can stow away your Union Jacks. There is no international celebration, no party. No songs and no cake. At least, not publicly. Very little will be done to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's birthday throughout the Commonwealth.

Interestingly, Queen Elizabeth actually has two birthdays. April 21, 1926, is her actual birthday, but the United Kingdom officially celebrates her existence on June 14. Why?

The U.K.'s Metro newspaper says that "the sovereign is given two birthdays if their birth date is not in the summer. This is because there will be a better chance of good weather for the birthday parade (otherwise known as Trooping the Colour)."

Apparently the "summer birthday" tradition is one that has been available to kings and queens since 1748. In Canada, her birthday is officially recognized as part of Victoria Day celebrations on May 25.

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In fact, the British Monarchy does very little, publicly at least, to celebrate Queen Elizabeth on this date. Nary a mention has been made on the Monarchy's official website or most other avenues, save for the posting of an official portrait to mark her 88th year.

Gotta admit, Elizabeth is looking well for someone sneaking up on their ninth decade on earth.

Regardless of the lack of pomp, or perhaps because of it, today is a perfect time to consider Queen Elizabeth's relationships with Canada. It is a country she has referred to as home, has visited more than any other Commonwealth nation and that, in turn, has embraced her like few others.

Here is how Queen Elizabeth's relationship with Canada is summarized by the British Monarchy:

The Queen personifies the state and is the personal symbol of allegiance, unity and authority for all Canadians. Legislators, ministers, public services and members of the military and police all swear allegiance to The Queen. It is for this reason that all new Canadian citizens swear allegiance to The Queen of Canada. Elections are called and laws are promulgated in The Queen's name.

Sounds... dusty. For the most part, Queen Elizabeth's role in Canada is to be a symbolic figurehead. She rarely, if ever, involves herself in daily affairs. And even then, it is only through her proxy, Governor-General David Johnson, and the provincial lieutenant-governors.

But she does step forward in moments of Canadian celebration and tragedy.

Last year, the Queen released a personal message to Col. Chris Hadfield to congratulate him on becoming the first Canadian to command the International Space Station. Months later, she expressed remorse after a tragic train explosion in Lac-Megantic, Que. Earlier this year, she released a similar statement following a seniors' centre fire in L'Isle-Verte, Que.

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Queen Elizabeth has made more than 22 official visits to Canada, which is more than she has made to any other Commonwealth country.

Her first visit was in 1951, while she was still Princess Elizabeth and just a few months before she ascended to the throne. She and her husband, The Duke of Edinburgh spent 33 days criss-crossing the country, visiting everywhere from British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador. "I would like the Canadian people to know, that they have placed in our hearts a love for their country and their people which will never grow cold," she said at the time.

Her most recent visit was in 2010, when she and her husband visited Halifax, Ottawa, Winnipeg and Toronto. In Toronto, they attended the 151st running of the Queen's Plate - Canada' premier horse racing competition.

The longest trip Queen Elizabeth has made to Canada was a 45-day jaunt that began on June 18, 1959, when she visited every province and territory and attended the official opening of the St-Lawrence Seaway.

She has made a tradition of visiting Canada to mark key milestones, such as Manitoba's 100th anniversary as a province in 1970, British Columbia's 100th in 1971, as well as Alberta's and Saskatchewan's centennial in 2005, and for the Montreal Olympic Games in 1976. She has never celebrated her birthday in Canada, though she was in Ottawa from April 15 to 19 in 1982 on the occasion of the Proclamation of the Constitution Act – almost certainly her most pivotal moment in Canada’s memory.

And through this all, Canada has apparently been charmed by the octogenarian.

An Ipsos Reid poll conducted in 2010 found that the Queen's approval rating was 73 per cent among Canadians. This despite two-thirds of respondents saying the Royal Family should not have a formal role in Canadian society.

A cheeky poll from last Christmas found that 84 per cent of Canadians thought Queen Elizabeth should be on Santa's "nice list." And a Forum Research poll also from last year found that 45 per cent of Canadians are in favour of abolishing its ties to the monarch entirely... once Elizabeth passes away.

She may be fit for an 88 year old, but sadly, Queen Elizabeth can't live forever. And once the inevitable happens, Canada's relationship with the Royal Family will invariably change. But that is then and this is now, so let's celebrate her as much as we can, while we can.

Good thing she gets two birthdays a year.

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