A protester clashes with riot police in an anti-monarchy protest in Montreal. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ryan Remiorz)
Close to 200 anti-royalty protesters greeted the arrival of Prince Charles and Camilla Tuesday as they visited a military armoury in Montreal, where Prince Charles presented new colors to the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, which he formally commands.
The protesters held up placards that read "Majesty Go Home" and called for Canada to break away from the Commonwealth. Protesters pelted eggs at riot police and staged a sit-down before reinforcements had to be called in to clear the area. Protesters continued to chant "We will never be defeated!" and "Quebec a country!" At least two protesters were arrested.
The royal couple had to be escorted through the back door forgoing the lavish welcome ceremony that was originally planned.
The demonstration was organized by the Quebecois Network of Resistance, a small Quebec nationalist group opposing two-and-a-half centuries of British rule in Canada.
The Toronto Star reports that Quebec's anti-monarchist politicians did not get involved.
Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe said earlier he had no time to waste protesting the presence of British royal family members in Canada. "The monarchy is a system that is dépassé and archaic. I call it a genetic lottery. People who say they have blue blood should see their doctor as soon as they can."
Parti Québécois Leader Pauline Marois had chimed in: "I think this visit is unnecessary, but, that being said, I won't take it to the streets to demonstrate."
Once inside the regimental hall, Prince Charles apologised for the delay in proceedings, blaming "a little local disturbance."
Scenes of the protest can be seen here.
Check out Canada International Affairs.
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Comments
I quite agree with the protesters. I think its verging on disrespect for British loyalty to visit Quebec. Considering Englands brutal colonial past vis a vis the Quebecois, what do they hope to achieve by visiting Montreal? Whats the message they hope to send?
Idiots looking for an excuse to act like idiots. Instead of calmly debating and acting like rational people, they scream, pout and act like spoiled children. Throwing eggs? Real mature.
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