Queen bids farewell
By Mikaela Ian Pearman
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The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh wave good by to dignitaries on the tarmac at L.F. Wade International Airport yesterday before flying to Trinidad and Tobago for the 2009 Commonwealth Conference. The Royal visit ended with a farewell ceremony at the airport attended by Governor Sir Richard Gozney and Lady Gozney and Premier Ewart Brown and Wanda Henton Brown
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Photo: Mark Tatem
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The Royal visit was hailed a success as Bermuda put its best foot forward in welcoming the Queen and Prince Philip during their whirlwind stay.
Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh toured the Island in a jam-packed schedule which began Tuesday. Governor Sir Richard Gozney said of the visit: "On this occasion, the Royal visit and Bermudians' enthusiasm for the visit spoke for themselves. Bermuda and the Island's people came up trumps."
He directed praise to several agencies including the Bermuda Government, the Police, the Bermuda Regiment and Christian denominations and faiths.
"Worthy of separate mention are all of Bermuda's schools who showed their phenomenal enthusiasm in welcoming the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, and all those members of the public who turned out and waited to welcome them with equal gusto.
"Bermuda's warm, strong and genuine welcome of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were constantly remarked upon by the visitors themselves."
Premier Ewart Brown said: "Their presence here was a fitting marker to help us celebrate our 400th Anniversary.
"I acknowledge the long relationship between Bermuda and Britain and appreciate that Bermuda was graced with the Royal visit this year.
"Her Majesty told me how impressed she was at seeing the growth of Bermuda— the cranes in Hamilton are a very visible indicator of the confidence that business people continue to show in our Island home.
"While there have been stories about the strain in relations between Britain and Bermuda, Her Majesty was gracious, as always, in acknowledging the warm bonds of friendship that exist between Britain and Bermuda."
Conchita Ming, chairman of the Bermuda 2009 Steering Committee said: "I think it's been a really successful visit.
"I think Bermuda definitely put it's best foot forward for Her Majesty.
"The children were just so excited to see her. It's been wonderful to see the film of them looking so enthralled by her and I think Government was very gracious in receiving her and we're so grateful for His Excellency and his team for coordinating this and bringing it to reality."
Opposition Leader Kim Swan said: "I certainly feel the Royal visit has served Bermuda well. It's come at a very good time... we've had our share of challenges both economically, socially and politically and to have this event certainly brought out all the positives of Bermuda.
"The reaction that Bermuda gave the Royal couple was outstanding and I think in this our 400th anniversary year, I would just have to say what a birthday present for Bermuda."
The crowds turned out from the start of the visit.
The Queen and Prince Philip were greeted by about 2,000 excited spectators as Her Majesty inspected the Guard of Honour, was introduced to the Cabinet, signed the guest book in the Town Hall and strolled to Ordnance Island, stopping to acknowledge people in the crowd.
St. George's Mayor Mariea Caisey said: "It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I thought Her Majesty was the sweetest person. "She was so delightful and beautiful. She looked so well for her age. Prince Philip, he was very jovial. He had lots to say."
On Wednesday, the Royal couple attended a thanksgiving service in the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, arriving by horse and carriage. After the church service the Queen boarded a ferry to Dockyard where she was met by more spectators and received three bouquets.
Her Majesty then headed to the Clocktower while Prince Philip toured the Spirit of Bermuda. They met again for a re-enactment of a traditional Bermudian wedding performed by Sandys Secondary Middle School students. Wedco chairman and Sandys MP Walter Lister gave the Queen a tour of the Clocktower Mall.
He said: "I found her to be most gracious and quite the conversationalist. She was very knowledgeable about Dockyard.
"Her great interest was the Clocktower itself. I hope she enjoyed herself and I think she did. Overall, it went well."
Lunch was taken at Commissioner's House. Maritime Museum director Dr. Edward Harris said: "Her Majesty was very relaxed and was introduced to several dozen major donors and trustees of the museum, all of whom were impressed with her straight-forward manner. "According to all the accounts I have heard, everyone was delighted with the visit and see it as one of the highlights of Bermuda's 400th anniversary year."
The couple then left Dockyard, travelling in a Range Rover into Hamilton. The Royal motorcade drove past schools as students stood outside waving flags.
Head Teacher of Warwick Academy Maggie McCorkell said: "There was a lot of excitement as we all waited for a glimpse of Her Majesty.
"The entire school from Year One to 13, along with many of our parents lined Middle Road and cheered and waved. Our youngest students were particularly excited and have been practising their flag waving all week."
That evening, the Queen and Prince Philip attended a state dinner hosted by Premier Ewart Brown and his wife, Wanda Henton Brown. Yesterday, their final day, the Queen planted a tree at Government House before she and the Duke were driven to the airport. The three-day tour ended with a farewell ceremony at the airport attended by Sir Richard and Lady Gozney and Dr. and Mrs. Brown.
This visit marked the Queen's fourth trip to Bermuda. Her first was in 1953, just five months after her coronation.
