By Elishya Perera
TORONTO (CWBN)_ The Canadian government honoured Queen Elizabeth II with a new official portrait yesterday (Oct 18). In tribute to Canada’s ties to the Queen through the Commonwealth, the portrait will be displayed in government buildings, schools and embassies.
Royal photographer Chris Jackson was commissioned by the Canadian government to take the picture back in March 2019 at Windsor Castle. Sharing the new portrait of Her Majesty on Instagram, Jackson said, “In the photograph, the Queen is wearing her Canadian insignia as Sovereign of the Order of Canada and the Order of Military Merit. She is also wearing ‘The King George VI Victorian Suite,’ a diamond and blue sapphire necklace and earrings that were given to her by her father King George VI as a wedding present in 1947”.
Created in 1972, The Order of Military Merit is a military honour for merit that is, within the Canadian system of honours, the second highest order administered by the Governor General-in-Council, on behalf of the monarch. The order was established to recognize members of the Canadian Forces who have demonstrated dedication and devotion beyond the call of duty, achieving conspicuous merit and exceptional military service.
On the other hand, the Sovereign of the Order of Canada was presented to the Queen in 1970 by then-Governor General Roland Michener on his visit to London that year.
Meanwhile, the Belgian Sapphire Tiara and the diamond and blue sapphire necklace worn by Her Majesty in the portrait also have a connection to Canada, as the Queen wore them during her royal tour of the country in 1990.
Edited by Michelle Alles
