How to watch Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in Canada
Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8th, 2022 at the age of 96.
In honor of Her Majesty’s life and 70 years of reign, the royal family will hold a public funeral on September 19. The event is expected to be the most-watched program in history, attracting around four billion viewers around the world.
When
Since the funeral will take place in Westminster Abbey, England, be aware of the time difference. Specifically, the funeral procession begins at 11am UK time, which is 6am ET / 3am PT.
like watching
In Canada there will be a number of ways to tune in.
The Sky News YouTube channel and iOS and Android apps have a stream of the funeral. Alternatively, the CBC website and Gem streaming service will be covered along with the CTV website and Android and iOS app. (Of course, for those with cable, CBC and CTV will also have coverage on their respective TVs.)
who will be there
As Westminster Abbey has a maximum capacity of 2,200 people, there will be a strict limit on the number of participants. A formal guest list was not released, but we do know that outside of the royal family, heads of state from different countries, as well as a spouse or other dignitary, were allowed to travel.
This means Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor-General Mary Simon will be representing Canada, while the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand will also travel to the funeral with their respective Governors-General. Leading figures from non-Commonwealth countries will also travel to the funeral, including US President Joe Biden and his wife, First Lady Jill Biden. Many other world leaders are also expected.
National Day of Mourning in Canada
It should be noted that while Canada has declared September 19 a federal holiday to mourn the Queen, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have opted not to recognize it as a public holiday. Meanwhile, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador make September 19 a provincial holiday, while BC has made it a public sector holiday, while private sector employers have discretion to do so.
Concurrent with the funeral on September 19, Ottawa will hold its own memorial service with the Canadian Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other dignitaries. Those interested can do so through Canadian Heritage’s YouTube channel and The Crown in Canada’s Facebook page.
The Government of Canada also invites people to sign an online book of condolences, share messages online, or visit Rideau Hall in Ottawa for personal tributes. Canadians are also encouraged to observe a minute’s silence at 1 p.m. local time.
Photo credit: The Royal family