It is with great pleasure that I extend my sincere best wishes to all Canadians as they prepare to mark the 100th Grey Cup – a trophy first donated by The Earl of Grey in 1909 who served with distinction and pride as Governor-General of Canada from 1909 to 1911.

I note with some interest that, on the same weekend that the championship game of the Canadian Football League is being played in Toronto, the city will also play host to the Canadian inter-university sport football contest. The winning team will be the recipient of the Vanier Cup, which is named after another distinguished Governor-General – Major-General Georges Vanier. In this way, the link between the Canadian Crown and Canadian football is particularly meaningful – especially in this year when the 100th Grey Cup coincides with my Diamond Jubilee as Queen of Canada.

I wish all teams, players and fans a most enjoyable weekend.

Story continues below advertisement

Obtained by The Globe and Mail