Governor General Michaelle Jean and the Queen.
Picture:PA from mirror.co.uk
There has been a lot of fuss made this week about Governor General Michaelle Jean's referral of herself as Canada's head of state.
Monarchists and constitutional experts criticized Jean's use of the term, as she is actually the representative of the Crown in Canada, and therefore, only the representative of the head of state in Canada.
The Prime Minister's Office even went so far as giving a condescending reminder to the Governor General. Rideau Hall then went on the defensive, acknowledging the Queen's position, but arguing that, since Jean is the representative of the Crown in Canada and carries out the duties of the head of state in Canada, she is "de facto head of state".
First of all, I think that a correction from the Prime Minister's Office was a little much. I don't think Jean intended to a) slight the Queen by applying the title to herself; or b) use the title as some sort of political leverage over Harper. I think that Jean honestly believes that is a fair title for her position in Canada.
This past Tuesday, a representative from Buckingham Palace somewhat commented on the issue. The representative said that the palace was not getting involved in the debate, and he "presumed" that the Queen was, by official title, head of state in Canada. The whole statement was very wishy-washy. The palace wants to stay as far removed from the issue.
But of course the Queen wants to stay out of the fracas!
What good would it do the Queen to become involved? She knows Jean was not trying to expand or abuse her authority in her position as the Queen's representative. Had the palace commented or corrected Jean, the Queen would have come across as a stodgy Royal reasserting her symbolic authority over all Canadians.
Furthermore, the debate has already brought out anti-monarchist sentiments among some Canadians who disagree with the Queen's position as head of state. Were she to be involved in the argument, more sentiments would surely be raised, creating negative publicity for the Crown.
The Queen did the right thing in remaining silent on the issue. Besides, she has more important things to worry about than tiny technicalities.
Nothing beats the Queen, as any chess set proves!
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