On May 6, 2023, Canadians celebrated the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen Consort. This historic event was the first coronation of a Canadian Head of State and Monarch in 7 decades. Thank you to our friend Shawn Wade for speaking to us about this historic event in his capacity as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Commonwealth Society, Mainland of British Columbia Branch (RCS). The coronation was also especially meaningful for Rotarians as King Charles III has a long history with Rotary and Rotary's specific advocacy efforts. King Charles has promoted efforts to eradicate Polio for over 20 years, and has been keenly involved in Rotary's work on this issue. In 2003, King Charles attended a Polio National Immunization Day programme in India. Then in 2013, King Charles visited India again, this time wearing an End Polio Now scarf. While in India, he acknowledged Rotary’s efforts in eradicating polio in the country. In 2018 at the Commonwealth Leaders Summit he once again praised Rotary for its polio eradication efforts. In 2022, he was presented with its highest honour: The Rotary Award of Honour, for his work on fighting climate change and promoting sustainability. King Charles III is also an honorary member of RC Banchory Ternan, RID 1010, Scotland, since 1992.
|