Information about the period of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II

The Province marked the passing of the Queen with several initiatives.

Flags were lowered to half-mast at the Parliament Buildings, Government House and all provincial buildings and establishments, except for the day on which the new Monarch was proclaimed (Sept 10).

Official portraits and lithographs of the Queen were draped in black and then removed after her funeral. Signed portraits and lithographs, and paintings of the Queen’s likeness can remain, but position of precedence should be given. The portrait of the new Sovereign will be produced in due course. For information on the transition, visit Transition of the Crown.

The B.C. government website was edged in black to mark the period of mourning, and a commemorative website was published.

The Parliament Buildings were illuminated in a royal blue hue from dusk to midnight during the period of mourning, joining a national initiative to symbolically unite Canadians. BC Place in Vancouver also joined the initiative.

Canadians were invited to sign an online book of condolences. The book is now closed but you can view messages shared.

In addition, condolence books were set up at the Parliament Buildings (Hall of Honour), Government House, and the Vancouver Law Courts (The Great Hall) until the day after the Queen’s funeral.

The condolence books will be kept in the national and provincial archives in perpetuity.

Here in B.C., a ceremonial procession and provincial commemorative service for Queen Elizabeth II was held in Victoria on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, at 11 a.m. PST.

The procession formed up in front of the B.C. Parliament Buildings. The procession was led by the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy and a 100-person Royal Guard of Honour made up of members of Maritime Forces Pacific.

The procession included a riderless horse, a fitting tribute for Queen Elizabeth’s love of horses. Janet Austin, lieutenant governor of British Columbia, and Premier John Horgan, and other dignitaries followed.

The procession began at 10:15 a.m. and proceeded down the east driveway past the Cenotaph, headed north along Government Street, turned east on Fort Street and then made its way south on Quadra Street to Christ Church Cathedral.

A 21-gun salute by the 5^th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, took place on Belleville Street.

The provincial multi-faith commemorative service was led by the Very Reverend M. Ansley Tucker at Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria.

Watch the provincial commemorative service.

The Order of Service for the provincial commemorative service.

Photographs of the ceremonial procession and provincial commemorative service.