Focus Remembering the Queen in PNG

Royal memories

Sadness fell over Papua New Guinea with the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8 at the age of 96.

The Queen reigned for 70 years and visited PNG three times – in 1984, 1977 and 1982 – with Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. She was affectionately known by many Papua New Guineans as Missis Kwin.

The Prime Minister, James Marape, attended the Queen’s funeral at Westminster Abbey in London and expressed the nation’s deep affection for the Queen to the new monarch, King Charles III.

The PM was among more than 100 world leaders at the state funeral. During a meeting with King Charles, he invited the new monarch to visit PNG.

The conversation was reported like this:

“Your Majesty, if you don’t mind. In three years’ time, your country Papua New Guinea will be celebrating 50 years of Independence. I would like to, on behalf of your people in PNG, place a call to you, if you can be our chief guest on that occasion.”

King Charles replied: “That’s so kind of you, I shall see what I can do. I should have to brush up my Pidgin to make sure. But many, many thanks and my kindest thoughts and wishes to you. I absolutely love Papua New Guinea, which I hold very much in my heart.”

PNG is one of five countries in Asia and the Pacific where the British monarch is head of state. They also include Australia, New Zealand, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. n

Queen Elizabeth II shakes hands with Winnie Kiap, the then High Commissioner of Papua New Guinea, during a private audience at Buckingham Palace in 2011 (top left). Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh were greeted by adoring crowds at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in 1982 (above). Her Majesty inspects a guard of honour at Jacksons Airport in 1982 (left). Prince Charles, now King Charles III, opens PNG’s first parliament (below).