This week our subscribers have been sharing their memories of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II, following the sad news of her death last Thursday, 8th September. Today, Christopher Nevill shares his story of witnessing the Royal family’s tour in South Africa in 1947. We hope you enjoy reading Christopher’s memories as much as we did.
“Remembering back more than 70 years, to the sensations and curiosities of a 10 year old is rather different from keeping a diary.
There was much excitement in South Africa in 1947 as the Royal Family arrived in Cape Town for a tour which would take them through many thousands of kilometres, visiting hundreds of towns and cities and speaking to many people.King George the VI, the Queen and Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret travelled on a special train and sometimes in a Daimler. I remember this well because my Grandfather had the same car at the time!
I clearly recall the day when we were allowed out of school to travel to a small town – Eshowe – which was the capital of Zululand, where we lived.I was ten years old and the occasion was very special and very exciting.
South Africa was still part of the United Kingdom, and the Royal family were visiting our part of the world. We scholars were bussed from our school in Empangeni, where I was born and lived. It was a journey of some 50 miles on rough, gravel roads. We were each given a small Union Jack flag, which we waved with much enthusiasm as the Family were driven slowly round the rugby field where we all stood. The Zulu warriors did a dance which we all enjoyed thoroughly. When the Royal family walked past our little group, I am sure that that the Queen looked directly at me, or so I told all my friends at the time!
The Princesses later planted two yellow wood trees in the Royal National Park they visited and stayed at. Those trees are now fine giants which I saw on one of my many visits to that same park many years later.
The Royal journey ended in Cape Town with Princess Elizabeths 21st birthday. It was also where she made her now famous speech saying her whole life would be devoted to serve the people of the great imperial family to which all belonged.
South Africa officially gifted the King 399 specially cut diamonds which were to be made into his Garter star. The Queen and Princess Margaret also received beautiful diamonds and Princess Elizabeths diamond was a brooch in the shape of a lily.
It was a wonderful experience and memories that I still treasure.”
Watch a video of the Royal Family’s visit to South Africa by clicking this link.
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