Canada was one of 15 sovereign nations whose Queen was monarch at the time of her death and was the most visited country outside of the United Kingdom. On many of her 22 trips here as queen she stayed at Rideau Hall and the grounds bear witness to this, with trees she dedicated, including a red maple planted during her first visit as monarch in 1957. King Charles will attend the televised Accession Council – follow live updates Many of the plaques identifying these trees are now surrounded by flowers left by those who came to pay their respects, while others signed a book of condolence. Here are some of their memories and tributes: Image: The Queen planted a red maple tree during her first visit to Canada as monarch in 1957. Image: Braydon Braydon, of Ottawa, said: “Her death marks the end of a golden age, the age of our grandparents. “In an ever-changing world where everything we know is falling apart, it has always been there. “It’s always been stability and continuity. “King Charles III faces many difficulties in the future, there will be many difficult questions about whether he should maintain the monarchy, especially here in Canada. “But from what I’ve seen of him so far, I think the world will rally around him like his mother did.” Image: June Duncanson-Campbell June Duncanson-Campbell, from Nova Scotia, said: “I just love everything about the royals, we’ve always been royal in our family. “We used to put little UK flags on the grass on Queen Elizabeth’s birthday. “I never had the chance to meet her in person, unfortunately, but I did see her in person when she visited Ottawa. “I think to her Canada was a baby country and she could see the potential for so many things here – she helped Canada grow.” Image: Kim McLaughlin Kim McLaughlin, of Ottawa, said: “Our Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has known the Queen since he was a little boy when his father was Prime Minister and we’ve seen some pictures of them together that are really, really adorable. “For him and her, having that experience being the son of a former prime minister who also held that office must have made it a really special bond. “She felt like she really lost someone, like a member of the extended family. I think we all feel that way. It’s hard to imagine a world without her and I struggle with that myself.” Image: Gyde and Rosemary Shepherd Gyde Shepherd, from Ottawa, said: “My uncle was Governor General here in the 1950s and 60s and he had a close relationship with Queen Liz so I feel close to her through my uncle. “We have lost someone who would be the equivalent of losing Pope Francis. She was a grandmother, a mother, a lover and a great woman. What greater woman can you think of right now?” Rosemary Shepherd, from Ottawa, added: “I have tremendous admiration for King Charles III’s work on environmental issues. “He said he wasn’t going to make any more political comments. But I hope it will work in the background on these issues. “I think he will be a good king. “We can’t compare him to Queen Elizabeth – that wouldn’t be fair. But he’s a good man, just like his father was.” Image: Ian Burleton Ian Burleton, from Shropshire, said: “She was a great lady and I think she will be missed. “I hope the crown will keep moving. “I know we have problems with the world, but I think we should just try to keep the Queen’s faith and her religion.” Image: Milly Widdis Milly Widdis, from Ottawa, said: “I always love to catch a glimpse of the monarchy when they visit Ottawa. “I really like them and they are good people. “This was one of her favorite countries. “He had a very big connection to Canada and every time he came, he enjoyed it. When I heard that he died, I was very sad, I cried.”
