Queen flies into political crisis

The Queen flies to Canada today for a royal tour that could be affected by a political crisis threatening to bring down the Canadian Government.

The Queen and her husband, Prince Philip, begin a nine-day tour of Canada just two days before Prime Minister Paul Martin's Government faces a possible vote of no confidence.

Should the vote go against the minority Liberal Government and an election be called, the Queen might have to change the itinerary of her visit or curtail it prematurely.

As an apolitical head of state she could not be seen with politicians during a campaign.