JB Recalls Her Encounter With Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain
The first ever Malawi’s female president, Joyce Hilda Banda has described the demised Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain as one of the greatest women of the world in the 21st century.
Writing on her Facebook page, Banda recalled meeting the Queen in person in 2012 when she was invited to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit in the United Kingdom.
And here below is what Joyce Banda has written on her wall:
Those of us who grew up in the 50s found the queen intriguing, her photos were hanging in some of our homes like we hang Presidents’ portraits now but the idea of ever meeting her was the wildest dream.
I had been informed that when you meet the queen you courtesy way down, initially I tried to be proper and really did courtesy.
I went about mingling with fellow leaders when I saw her approach again while I was with President Sata of Zambia as can be seen in one of the photos.
We were always told that the queen has many rules and that she cannot just engage in a conversation with anybody, so therefore, will never forget my surprise when she asked me a personal question!
First, I did not know she knew who I was and secondly, I did not know she had followed the strange events surrounding the transition of April 5-7th April 2012 before I ascended to the presidency.
I had just assumed office and I was pleased to discover that she was human like all of us, a wonderful woman and a great listener as will be seen when I was at last relaxed talking to her ndimanja omwe as is seen in one of the photos.
Yesterday, saddened about the passing of this great woman my thoughts went back to that day in 2012 and i will always cherish that encounter because that is the day I grew to love and respect her even more, a childhood dream come true.
There are many who are trying to downplay her legacy but for me, I will celebrate her because she became queen in 1952 when most countries were colonies and it was during her reign that all countries of Africa gained independence.
She was also instrumental in building the commonwealth and holding it together.
I celebrate you Your Majesty. MHSRIP.
