Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall visit

[Nathan]

HRH the Prince of Wales (aka the Duke of Rothsay) and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall began their Canadian tour in Nova Scotia today, appropriately on Victoria Day.

I was quite impressed by Her Royal Highness's use of the iconic Nova Scotia tartan in her chosen attire.









Mi'kmaq Elder Doug Knockwood offered the opening prayer and greeted their Royal Highnesses. I'm thinking he's a Blackwatch veteran.



Their Royal Highnesses then accompanied the Honourable Peter MacKay to Pictou County to attend an event celebrating the area’s Celtic heritage and to visit Hector Heritage Quay and the museum. The Hector is the ship that carried the first Highland Clearances emigrants to Nova Scotia.

[Dixiecat]

I had to work today downtown today and got to see all the prep work and hear the cannons firing the salute. We managed to get a glimpse of them as they drove to the airport and passed our building. And as an added treat, there was a kilted gentleman going home on the ferry I was on tonight. He'd obviously had been in the ceremonies as he was quite formal.

The Nova Scotia tartan is absolutely everywhere here and it can be hard to think of it in any other light than a tourist draw, but the Duchess used it to dramatic and pleasing effect. What a lovely touch. I wonder what she'll be wearing in PEI?

[Nathan]

The Nova Scotia tartan is absolutely everywhere here and it can be hard to think of it in any other light than a tourist draw, but the Duchess used it to dramatic and pleasing effect. What a lovely touch. I wonder what she'll be wearing in PEI?

I like the fact that the Nova Scotia tartan is everywhere. The same can be said for the Cape Breton tartan once you cross the causeway. I think the ubiquitousness of these tartans have made them as potent a symbol of identity as the provincial flag.

You're absolutely right that they are popular on knick knacks and in tourist gift shops but when you compare these tartans to other district tartans, these are far more recognizable to the locals than the majority. I doubt there is any Nova Scotian who wouldn't recognize the Nova Scotia tartan. I don't think every Canadian would recognize the Maple Leaf tartan and I can't think of any other district tartans that have such universal acceptance.

Still, to your point, it is much nicer to see the tartan employed in the manner the Duchess demonstrates than to see it adorning a pair of oven mitts or a set of place mats.

[Hawk]

Nathan, thank you so much for the photos, especially of Elder Knockwood. I would be interested in his story, of course, being a Traditionalist of my Indigenous Nation.

Hawk

[McClef]

Lovely pictures.

Just wish to point out that "Lady Camilla" is not a part of Camilla's official title or rank.

[Nathan]

Thank you for the correction, Trefor. My mistake. I seem to recall hearing that on TV at some point. I also heard some speakers refer to "their Royal Highnesses" and others say "His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and Her Grace the Duchess of Cornwall". Are both correct or did someone err in their styles of address?

[Nathan]

Nathan, thank you so much for the photos, especially of Elder Knockwood. I would be interested in his story, of course, being a Traditionalist of my Indigenous Nation.

Hawk

I too would like to know more about Elder Knockwood. I know that he is a respected Elder from Shubenacadie First Nations and I've seen him quoted in the news media on issues of relevance to the Mi'kmaq community for many years. Here are some bio notes from various organizations with which he is involved. If you Google him, there is plenty to read.

http://www.zoominfo.com/p/Doug-Knockwood/1186985662

http://www.dodemkanonhsa.ca/elders/knockwood_doug.htm

Neither of these links explain the Tam O'Shanter directly although they do mention military service.

[creagdhubh]

Thank you for sharing the photos.

[McClef]

Nathan, the correct styling is Her Royal Highness for both Cornwall and Rothesay titles as these are Royal Duchies and she takes her rank from her husband.

Non royal Duchesses are correctly styled "Her Grace".

Some confusion possibly comes from the late Princess Diana. As the daughter of an Earl she was correctly styled Lady Diana Spencer before her marriage. Camilla was simply Miss Shand then Mrs Parker-Bowles before her marriage to Charles. The title Lady is different from the the word Lady as applied to a female.

It can be confusing I know!

[tulloch]

He's not wearing a kilt! Awww. He does that so well.