‘I was just trying not to do or say anything stupid’: A fleeting royal moment revisited 20 years later

It's a conversation that Max Balinson desperately wishes he could remember.

He recalls it being a short quip, perhaps a Thank you very much" or a remark on his six-year-old self's uniform.

The moments-long interaction was captured by Hamilton Spectator photographer Cathie Coward during one of the several times Queen Elizabeth II visited Steeltown.

This time on Oct. 10, 2002.

It was an occasion that saw thousands fill Copps Coliseum (now FirstOntario Centre) to watch the monarch, who, as part of her Golden Jubilee, presented the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada with new colours.

The photo shows a young Balinson donned in full dress uniform, face to face with the late ruler. It was snapped just moments after he handed her a bouquet of bright flowers with Katherine Compton of Stratford.

The Queen, dressed in a classic blue ensemble, is looking down at the duo, who are gazing back at her with eager eyes and (admittedly nervous) smiles.

I was completely overwhelmed, being at the centre of attention, next to the person everyone was staring at," said Balinson, now 25, in an interview. I was just trying not to do or say anything stupid."

Having just turned six not even a week earlier, Balinson said the lead up to the event was exhausting - rehearsals started the day before, he had to learn to march a certain way and he'd spent hours being sized for a kilt and tunic.

The now-cherished interaction was a fluke, said Balinson, who now plays professional hockey with the ECHL's Reading Royals.

His father Scott Balinson, a longtime piper major for the Argylls, had put his name into a draw along with other kids of the regiment. He just so happened to be chosen.

It seems surreal now that it happened," said Balinson. I didn't know what to make of it back then."

However, that perspective has changed with time - even more so with the death of the Queen on Thursday afternoon.

The moment remains a highlight for Balinson, with the opportunity even making his LinkedIn page.

Reflecting on the conversation Friday, the Ancaster man wishes he could have repeated history with Her Majesty - even if it were just for the sake of remembering the exchange.

She was such an impactful person to our country," said Balinson. It was an incredible honour to meet her."

Fallon Hewitt is a reporter at The Spectator. fhewitt@thespec.com