QUEEN ELIZABETH II

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The United Empire Loyalists were defined by their loyalty to the British Crown during the American Revolution.  It has been the position of the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada (UELAC) to be supportive of the Monarchy.  Under the Canadian form of government, being a constitutional monarchy, the current Monarch is Canada's Head of State.

Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (1926 - 2022), as Canada's Head of State, appreciated the role played by United Empire Loyalists in Canada's history and both her and her husband, His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, showed this on visits to Canada.  

Queen Elizabeth II 

Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Loyalist Parkway in Ontario on September 27, 1984. It was during a visit to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United Empire Loyalists' arrival as refugees after the American Revolution. In a communication to the Editor of The Loyalist Gazette,published in the December, 1984 issue, she indicated: "It was a pleasure to be able to meet some of the members of the Association when I visited Ontario for the Bicentennial celebrations..."

In May 1989, Prince Philip attended the UELAC National Conference in Lennoxville, Quebec. During the Conference, held at Bishop's University. He was the guest of honour and gave a speech at the convention banquet on May 20, 1989. His attendance was facilitated by Okill Stuart, then President of Heritage Branch of the UELAC, based in Montreal, and a former classmate of Prince Philip at Gordonstoun School in Scotland.  The following day he unveiled a plaque at St. Martin's Chapel of Bishop's University to mark the 200th anniversary of Lord Dorchester's Order in Council and the 75th anniversary of the UELAC's incorporation. 

On the occasion of the 90th birthday of Her Majesty on April 21, 2016, I mailed her a letterwith best wishes and congratulations as President of the Nova Scotia Branch of the UELAC. I was very pleased to receive a letter back from Buckingham Palace. 

Letter from Buckingham Palace

Often the provincial representative of the Monarch was invited to attend the National Conference of the UELAC, held annually, in different locations across the country. At the Conference held in Moose Jaw,  Saskatchewan in June 2018, Lieutenant Governor W. Thomas Molly made a presentation. 

Lieutenant Governor Molly at 2018 Conference 

In August 2025, it was announced that the Monarch's representative in Canada, Her Excellency, the Honourable Mary Simon, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.,  Governor General of Canada, had accepted the request to become Patron of the Association. In the Fall, 2025 issue of The Loyalist Gazette,  it was stated by Bill Russell, UE, National President, on behalf of the UELAC Board of Directors, " This appointment carries profound significance for our national organization.  As Canada's first Indigenous Governor General, Her Excellency embodies the spirit of reconciliation, dialogue, and unity.  These values reflect the essence of the Loyalist experience: resilience, loyalty, and commitment to building a diverse and enduring nation."


Further Reference:

2018 UELAC Conference - Piping in of Flags , video made in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan



Historian & Author; Member of United Empire Loyalists ' Association of Canada, Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia, Ulster Historical & Genealogical Guild (Life)

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