07.05.2010 03:11 PM

(Sort of) live-blogging Her Majesty

11:40 – There are huge trucks trying to get past a big traffic jam at Pinewood Studios, where lunch with Her Majesty is happening. Horns honking, much chaos. There is a clear need for a Toronto police presence. (First time anyone’s said that since before the G20, I’ll wager.)

11:55 – I’m inside the cavernous reception area, beside an old plane. They’re playing the theme from ‘Ghostbusters.’ I don’t understand why, but they are.

1:09 – We’re seated, but still no Queen. And now they’re playing the theme from ‘The Godfather.’ Not a choice I would have made, but I’m not an expert in protocol.

1:25 – Her Majesty walked right beside our table! She smiled at Bob Richardson and I, and sort-of nodded! She did not, however, seek my opinions on coalition governments.

1:40 – Bob and I were apparently just spotted on TV applauding the Queen as she walked by. Unanimous reaction: “What are those two disreputable barnacles doing there? How’d they get in?”

1:55 – Nice lunch. But now they’re playing the French national anthem, La Marseillaise. Who is running the music for this event? Charles de Gaulle?

2:20 – CTV’s Richard Madan just told me I’m on TV watching half of Metric play an acoustic set. I’m wearing a suit. It’s weird watching a rock’n’roll band when you are wearing a suit. Unless you’re Bryan Ferry or Robert Palmer, I guess, in which case it’s acceptable.

2:50 – The Queen and The Best Premier In Canada just walked by us.  The luncheon is concluded.   Bob and I will now step into the blast furnace that is Toronto’s weather, today, and tell everyone about our Royal encounter.

Which, I guess, we have now done.

13 Comments

  1. e says:

    gate crasher

  2. allegra fortissima says:

    Don’t take “La Marseillaise” to heart, all of you very fine Englishmen. The original title was “Chant de guerre pour l’Armee du Rhin”, a personal thing between France, Prussia and Austria. And to everybody’s comfort, “La Marseillaise” was played melodiously today, not screamed during a “levee en masse” as in 1793 (that wouldn’t have worked in any case since Knight Warren was around). La Reine etait saine et sauve!

    Oh well, the inappropriate “Godfather” theme – che orrore! I assume some fellows were dressed in black and white by mistake!

  3. A. says:

    “The Queen and The Best Premier In Canada just walked by us.”

    I didn’t know Darrell Dexter was in town.

  4. Dan F. says:

    Did you do some time travelling today, or are the entries just out of order?

  5. bigcitylib says:

    Don’t Let her kiss you! Old lady fleas!

  6. Raymond says:

    Please post the link to ‘Police Squad’ where Lt. Drebbin is tasked with providing security for Her Majesty. Please. Just this once.

  7. Iris Mclean says:

    Ahem, Ahem? My husband and I were thrilled to be in the same room as Warren.
    We will remember this day fondly.
    Queen Liz.

  8. Jan says:

    Saw you on the teevee, Warren. You clean up real good!

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