Queen Elizabeth II’s remarkable long reign might well become known as the Second Elizabethan Age. She ruled over seven decades, through many upheavals and changes, all with an unwavering deep sense of duty and graciousness. A class act and near universally admired. No mean feat considering the dark legacy of Britain’s colonial past, anti-monarchy sentiment and recent Royal scandals.
Her passing drew great sadness across the globe. For most of us, she was the only Queen we knew.
I grew up in Malaysia, once a colony, now part of the Commonwealth. The Queen visited Malaysia 3 times. The first visit was in 1972. I was among the throngs of school children lining the road outside our school, waving our little flags as the Queen’s motorcade drove by. I caught a glimpse of a pale face. I cannot recall if we were treated to the famous royal wave!
Canada, where I now live, is one of 15 nations in the world which still have the British monarch as the ceremonial Head of State. As such, the Queen, and the Royal Family representing her, have visited Canada several times.
Her state visits were always meticulously planned right down to the jewelry she wore. Gifts presented to her would always be worn on return visits. The diamond maple leaf brooch (at top and below) was created by a Canadian jeweler back in 1939. It was first a gift for the Queen Mother when she and King George VI visited Canada. It has been worn by members of the Royal Family on successive visits ever since.
Some of the jewels in the Royal Collection are privately owned which will be passed down to other members of the Royal Family. But others are held for the Crown and will pass on to the next monarch, King Charles III.
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