Friday, November 10, 2006

Goodenough 1, Arsenal 0


Goodenough College played host today to a most distinguished and regal visitor. Yes, the picture above tells it all. Her Majesty the Queen of England paid us a visit this morning in conjunction with celebrations to mark the College’s 75th anniversary.

I’m actually not too certain what formal association the Queen has with the College, but I do know that she comes here regularly, at rough five yearly intervals. Indeed, you see commemorative stones on the College walls marking all her previous tours, the most recent of which was in 2001. Whatever the case, I do realise I’m pretty fortunate to have arrived at Goodenough just in time to witness this visit.

We had known for some weeks that the Queen would be coming today. Whatever your inclinations, a royal visit just carries with it a certain mystique and magic, doesn’t it? The College Director, Major-General Andrew Ritchie had earlier quipped that a visit by the sovereign instantly transforms legions of republicans into strong monarchists. Looking at how excited so many in the college were, I believe he’s probably right!

But there was also some apprehension in the run up to today. Earlier, the Queen had strained some muscles on her back, and had been advised to scale down her public engagements, including cancelling her scheduled appearance at the opening of Arsenal Football Club’s new Emirates stadium. But she had recovered sufficiently since. So Arsenal had to make do with the Duke of Edinburgh. We still got the Queen.

And we couldn’t have asked for better weather this morning. It was pretty chilly, but the sun was out, and the sky was a brilliant blue. Everyone was out in their finest, with many appearing in their respective national costumes as well. At the dot of eleven, the royal motorcade pulled up, and a hushed but excited tone quickly settled among those of us gathered around, as she emerged, clad in a most dramatic red overcoat:


Part of Her Majesty’s tour of the College grounds brought her to the Great Hall, where groups comprising select members from different regions and countries were assembled for an opportunity to meet her. I wasn’t fortunate enough to have been presented to her; the Singapore Doctor was - what a lucky bum. Nonetheless, I did get picked to be in the “support group” of members who had to remain at a respectable distance.

In anticipation of her visit, a group from Singapore had worked on a banner representing our country, and the fruits of our earnest efforts can be seen in this following image:


Later this evening, celebrations for the College’s 75th anniversary will continue with a dinner feast, followed by fireworks over the college lawn. Decades of tradition and excellence. Stories aplenty of accomplishment. But for me, I’m just glad to be here, in the right place at the right time, for this most remarkable royal visit.

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