Dusty Miller stood on the steps of Government House on Friday, British medals gleaming on his chest, as he welcomed guests to a black-tie dinner for the Duke of York.
The former head of security for lieutenant-governor Garde Gardom said he volunteered to help out for the weekend when he heard Prince Andrew was visiting Victoria to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Highland Games.
“I served in the Falkland Islands and so did he,” said Miller, as women in long dresses and a few men in kilts made their way up the red carpet.
Miller was hoping to talk to the prince, but mindful of protocol. “I’ll let him talk to me. But with the British medals he’ll recognize me straight away and he’ll say something.”
Chief Bob Chamberlin of Gilford Island, who was representing the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, said he thought it was important to attend the dinner.
“It’s going to be a very posh evening. And I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Chamberlin.
“Have you ever met a prince?”
“No, then again, he’s never met a chief,” laughed Chamberlin.
Inside Government House, at the dinner hosted by Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon, a relaxed and smiling Andrew charmed the 111 dinner guests including artist Robert Bateman, MP Murray Rankin and members of the church, judiciary and military.
“This country of Canada has for some reason a small piece of home for me,” said Andrew.
“When we were small children, we used to play games like which bit of the world was ours. This started when the Prince of Wales was sent to Australia to go to school. And by dint of luck … I was sent to Canada to school.”
Andrew and his royal siblings used to joke about it and ask each other permission to go to each other’s countries, he said.
The prince talked about the importance of communities and celebrations and said he was looking forward to the weekend festival.
“The Scots generally seem to export their culture in a way that no other culture is able to do and in such a way that it makes everyone want to come, join in, have fun and be party to their culture,” said Andrew.
Today, the prince will attend the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award Ceremony at Government House. About 11:45 a.m., he will preside over the opening ceremony of the Victoria Highland Games International Heavy Events Challenge at Topaz Park. On Sunday, he will again attend the Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival.
