It was one of the most unforgettable invitations. Fifty young women from across Canada, handpicked to witness the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. “It was really quite unbelievable,” said Carole Shipley, one of the women chosen. More than 70 years later, the bond they formed is still growing and three of them have reunited to be part of history once again. It began in 1953, when Canadian businessman Garfield Weston sponsored 50 high school girls to embark on once-in-a-lifetime journey to London, England. “It was a very emotional thing,” said Barbara Thomas Van Gent. “We were so close to the carriage that carried Elizabeth and Phillip, and they saw us.” Many had never left their hometowns, let alone the country. Dressed in matching coats and gloves, they set sail from Montreal, bound for a royal adventure. “Taking the train was mystical because it was in the evening and the steam of the train and relatives coming to say goodbye,” said Thomas Van Gent. What took root during those seven weeks abroad was more than royal pageantry—it was the beginning of lifelong friendships. That connection is now at the heart of the new documentary Coronation Girls, which traces the women’s extraordinary experience and enduring bond. “I think friendship, one of the things about it is it’s the purest of endeavours and one really journeys into the heart of it without ever really knowing its destination,” said director and producer, Douglas Arrowsmith. Two years ago, twelve of the women returned to London, a journey orchestrated by Arrowsmith. The women had a chance to feel 17 again, to relive the magic of a moment that shaped their lives by meeting King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their visit to Ottawa. “As magnificent as it was for me to see the Queen go by in her golden coach, for me it was more profound to see him and meet him,” said Shipley. Three of the original Coronation Girls gathered once more with front row seats to a ceremonial tree planting by King Charles and Queen Camilla. The tree symbolizes unity and strength, mirroring the roots they planted so many years ago. “Here we are,” said Shipley. “At the young age of 88,” laughed Thomas Van Gent. “So you never know what’s around the corner if you keep yourself open to it,” Shipley added. Next month, the women will be awarded coronation medals by the lieutenant governors of their respective provinces, alongside Arrowsmith, in recognition of their shared contribution to preserving a remarkable piece of Canadian history.
