Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022)
It is with great sadness that we learnt last week of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Lord of Mann, who served through many defining moments in our Island’s history. She had visited the Isle of Man several times during her reign, the first being on 9th August 1955, along with the Duke of Edinburgh. Let’s take a look at this memorable visit through the use of the Isle of Man Newspapers (1792-1960).
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (Mona’s Herald, 09/08/1955)
In true Manx fashion, the weather in Douglas upon the arrival of the Queen and Prince Philip was wet and misty, after a lovely five weeks of glorious sunshine. Despite the inclement weather, Peel City Guardian commented on how:
“The Queen and Duke won the hearts of all who came near them, and the homely atmosphere they created with the numerous informal gestures they made by talk talking to the children and ordinary folk.” (Peel City Guardian, 13/08/1955, pp. 1-4)
The duo, who arrived on board the Royal Yacht Britannia, had docked in Douglas at around 10am. Once ashore, they were given an address of welcome presented in the Tynwald Court by the Speaker of the House of Keys, Sir Joseph Qualtrough. This was the Queen’s reply:
“It gives me real pleasure to receive from you, Mr Speaker, the loyal greetings of the Legislature and people of this Island, of your visitors and of Manx people overseas. My husband and I thank you all most sincerely for the warm and affectionate welcome which we have received today.
I have long looked forward to visiting the Isle of Man because I have heard from my father, my mother, and my husband what a delightful Island this is. I am glad that so early in my reign I have been able to come amongst you.
I am especially proud to preside at this gathering of Tynwald, which has had a continuous history of more than a thousand years and is the oldest parliament in all the countries of which I am Queen. I hope that one day it will be possible for me to preside when you meet in St John’s Church and subsequently on the mound, the ancient centre of the political life of the Island. I look forward to seeing during this short visit as much of the Island as I can. I wish you all every success and good fortune and I Pray, Mr Speaker, that your counsels will be blessed by Almighty God for the Benefit of my faithful Manx people.
As nish, moghrey mie as aigh vie (and now good morning and good luck).” (Peel City Guardian, 13/08/1955)
Rest in Peace, Your Majesty
Blog Archive
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- ‘Round Mounds’ Investigation Reveals Rare Bronze Age Object