Mourning the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Author: UNB Newsroom
Posted on Sep 8, 2022
Category: UNB Saint John , UNB Fredericton
We were saddened to hear that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away today, Sept. 8, 2022, surrounded by her family.
Born in Mayfair, London, in 1926, Her Majesty ruled for longer than any other monarch in British history. Over the years, she has been a friend to the university, and we had the privilege of hosting her on several royal visits.
In 1959, Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Phillip, dined with Lieutenant Governor J. Leonard O'Brien and his wife in the Lady Beaverbrook Residence, making her the second sovereign to dine in the mens' residence, her father being the first during his Royal tour of Canada in 1939.
During her royal visit to officially open the summer Olympics in Montreal in 1976, Her Majesty and Prince Philip attended the provincial dinner held at UNB's McConnell Hall. In her only public remarks of the day, the Queen praised the biculturalism at work in the province of New Brunswick. More than 350 guests attended the dinner. In addition to Her Majesty and Prince Philip, seated at the head table were Lieutentant Governor and Madame Hedard J. Robichaud, Premier Richard B. Hatfield and his sister, Mrs. Gerald Clark, Provincial Chief Justice J.A. Hughes and Mrs. Hughes.
During the provincial bicentennial celebration, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited the city of Fredericton in 1984, which included a trip to UNB’s Fredericton campus. Upon arrival, they were greeted by UNB President James Downey and Mrs. Downey and later served lunch at McConnell Hall. During the luncheon, Premier Richard B. Hatfield presented the speaker of the Legislative Assembly and other guests. The New Brunswick String Quartet played the Royal Anthem, and Archbishop Nutter said grace. After dessert Premier Hatfield proposed the loyal toast.
Queen Elizabeth II was a much loved and respected figure across the globe. She was involved with and supported several charities, including the Royal New Brunswick Regiment, the Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Nurses Association, and many others.
Our thoughts and sympathies are with Her Majesty’s family, friends and everyone across the United Kingdom. Flags have been lowered on both the Fredericton and Saint John campuses.
With kind regards,
Paul J. Mazerolle
President and Vice-Chancellor
Photo credit: UNB Archives