Last week, on 9 September 2015, HM the Queen made history by becoming the longest serving monarch of the country. She passed the record set by her great, great grandmother, the Queen Victoria. She has now ruled the country for over 63 years and 7 months. After witnessing many tragedies in her personal life during her reign, what with the untimely death of her daughter-in-law and her sister, she had some comfort when she participated in the wedding of her grandson and celebrated her diamond jubilee on the throne few years ago.
We, Asians from the East African countries, should be particularly grateful to her, for it was during her rule that we found shelter in this country after being expelled by the ruthless ruler like Idi Amin from Uganda. On this special occasion let us wish her well.
Having spoken with Her Majesty a couple of times at Royal Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace which I had the privilege to attend at the invitation of the Lord Chamberlain, I must say that I was struck by the grace and dignity with which she carried herself. I also had the privilege of speaking with Princess Margaret, the Queen’s sister, when she made a whistle stop visit to my place of work at the then Department of Education and Science accompanied by Margaret Thatcher, who was at the time Education Secretary, and she too oozed charm and dignity. Our heartiest congratulations to you ma’am!
Dinesh Sheth
Newbury Park, Ilford
