Some of the trips that stood out during her many years of reign.
The special symbolism of Queen Elizabeth II’s visit was often confirmed during her official travels. Some of the trips that stood out during her many years of reign were:
1964: She was turned away in Quebec
Elizabeth II’s travels to Canada were repeatedly marred by separatist uprisings in Quebec. During her first visit in 1964, Queen Elizabeth II was met by a group of pro-peace protesters. “A group of young people, at the edge of the pavement, turned their backs on her ostentatiously”, wrote the French Agency (AFP). Police violently broke up many separatist demonstrations.
In 1990, when the country was going through a constitutional crisis linked to Quebec, Queen Elizabeth II delivered an impassioned speech to Parliament, written by herself and close associates. “I wish from the bottom of my heart that Canadians will come together and stay together, instead of dwelling on differences that can only sow division,” he said, among other things.
1965: At the Berlin Wall
On May 27, 1965, over a million Berliners gathered to cheer Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II during her six-hour visit to the divided city. “With her presence and the excitement she sparked, despite repeated statements coming from the other side of the wall, Queen Elizabeth II (of Britain) confirmed that West Berlin belongs to the family of the West,” wrote Agence France-Presse ( AFP).
In front of the wall, the queen’s car stopped for about three minutes. “Unlike other distinguished guests, Elizabeth II did not leave her seat to go up to the platform which would have allowed her to see what was happening in East Berlin. It wouldn’t be fit for a queen,” the AFP journalist described.
During her speech, she did not imitate former US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, who shouted in 1962 “I am a Berliner”. But “a queen does not express herself with slogans,” while the crowd and its cheers had nothing to envy of President Kennedy’s memorable visit, Agence France-Presse reported at the time.
1977: At Ulster despite ‘problems’
In 1977, Queen Elizabeth II of Britain was celebrating the 25th anniversary of her coronation and wanted to visit Northern Ireland, where conflicts between Protestants and Catholics had been raging for eight years.
In the days leading up to her arrival, incendiary devices caused widespread destruction in Belfast. To protect the Queen, who was accompanied by Prince Philip and their two younger sons, a navy destroyer accompanied the yacht Britannia. More than 32,000 police and soldiers had been mobilized for the royal visit.
On August 11, the Queen visited the University of Coleraine (80 km north-west of Belfast). Shortly before her arrival, the IRA threatened to plant a bomb. Queen Elizabeth II prayed for peace, urging Protestants and Catholics to end “senseless violence” in her speech.
1991: The “surprise” invitation to Mandela
In 1991, Nelson Mandela, who had just been released from prison, was invited to the Commonwealth Summit in Harare (Zimbabwe). Then, a mere leader of the African National Congress in a country in transition, Mandela had no office that would have allowed him to attend the Queen’s reception. Elizabeth II, however, decided to break protocol and invite him.
Earlier, she had already expressed her satisfaction that apartheid was “dying” in South Africa.
In the early 1980s, the Queen had quietly backed Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, who was campaigning for economic sanctions against South Africa, while his British counterpart, the “Iron Lady” Margaret Thatcher, was opposed.
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I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
