My mother keeps nudging me about one of my more momentous days with the Free Press this summer. So here it is, the 2010 Royal Tour, which rolled Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh through Winnipeg on a sweltering July day.

Organizers met twice with accredited media in advance to go through the tour’s minute by minute schedule, as well as detailed caption, etiquette and security guidelines, floor plans of all venues and indicators for risers and other optimum shooting positions. The level at which this event was planned was astounding. 

The Free Press had three accredited shooters on the day (two stills and one video), as well as two photographers roaming the public areas for crowd shots. There were approximately five key locations through the day. I was assigned two to cover: Government House (Her Majesty’s arrival, luncheon and garden tour) and The Forks (performances and Her Majesty’s address). Media shuttles were provided, but I opted to jog the 2.1 km between the two, which was the right decision.

(Above) Canon 1D MkIIn, 7D, 300mm, 70-200mm, 24-70mm 16-35mm, flash, batteries, monopod, laptop, external drive, tour documents, and basic kit supplies. This plus suit and tie meant my post-work jog was effectively axed.  

(Above) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Manitoba Lieutenant Governor Philip S. Lee (center), and Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh arrive at Government House for a luncheon.

(Above) More angles of her Majesty’s arrival.

(Above) Her Majesty’s dresser, Angela Kelly at the Government House luncheon. Being nice to organizers and wearing a suit and tie won me access I didn’t expect.

(Above) Lunch… for Her Majesty and honoured guests. I had a Power Bar.

(Above) Dedications and speeches in the garden at Government House.

(Above) Her Majesty touring the garden at Government House. 

(Above) I love this photo just for all of the mini stories on each face.

(Above) Honouring those who are no longer with us.

I couldn’t help but notice her incredible stamina and grace amid all this at 84. I wondered how it must feel. But it’s incomprehensible, because for her this just is what it is. Normality.

(Above) Guess where the honoured guest is.

(Above) On the stands the next morning. This was my first A1 main art page, and I love the fact that gluten-free pizza is advertised beneath it - for those who know me.