Couple recalls Queen's visits

SHE draws respect and admiration from millions around the world.

SHE draws respect and admiration from millions around the world.

Queen Elizabeth II has held the throne for 60 years and will celebrate her Diamond Jubilee today, June 5; a prestigious occasion that will be high on every monarchist's list, including Ian and Valerie Hamilton.

The Palmview Village residents fondly remember Her Majesty's first visit to Mackay on March 15, 1954.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip docked at Mackay Harbour and attended a ceremony of 30,000 at the Mackay Showgrounds, before flying to Rockhampton that afternoon.

"I had not long done national service, so I was on guard at two places where she got off the boat at the harbour; I was about five metres away from her," Mr Hamilton said.

"Then we went to the Mackay Airport. I was very close to her again when she got on the plane to leave."

Mrs Hamilton OAM, 71, was a 13-year-old student at Mia Mia State School, Mackay, then.

"There were about 20 students; the whole lot came in (to town) and that was a big deal for us. It was over an hour's drive," Mrs Hamilton said.

"We came into the showgrounds; being a bush kid and having all of these kids around us was a big thing but we had to wait a long time before she came along. I think it was pretty amazing."

Mr Hamilton saw Her Majesty again when she made her second visit to Mackay on April 16, 1970.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip flew into Mackay Airport and travelled through the city to a reception at Holy Trinity Parish Hall before driving to Mackay Harbour to board HMAS Stuart. They then transferred to the HMS Britannia, near St Bees Island.

"The second time, I saw her arrive; I wasn't on guard duty, I was in the crowd and then she went and had a holiday at Scawfell Island," Mr Hamilton said.

"The interesting story about that is: Val's cousin's husband, Captain Tom McLean, was the pilot and host.

"His claim to fame was that he sat on the beach at Scawfell Island with the Queen, by himself, having afternoon tea, talking with her.

"[He said] it was a funny feeling (being that close to her); like a fairytale, you never thought you'd actually see the Queen. It was a little bit of a letdown, because she was just an ordinary person after all," Mr Hamilton said.

"I think it's a magnificent achievement, 60 years on the throne."

Mrs Hamilton said: "She had beautiful skin ... But I'm amazed that she does all of this and she never wears the same dress twice.

"(If I could say anything to her) I would say that I'm in awe of her and I think she's just done a wonderful job. She's proved to be a lady all her life."

Celebration

 Harrup Country Club will host a High Tea at 10am today in the Lancaster room.

Originally published as Couple recalls Queen's visits