Nerves were running high on the baking hot tarmac of L.F. Wade International yesterday as the Queen's British Airways flight came into sight.
Regiment soldiers anxiously worked through their salutes and marches, organisers practiced the rolling out of the 'pink' carpet, and both local and international media positioned themselves behind their ropes all vying for the best spot.
A few dozen people gathered near the airport roundabout and marine police boats idled their motors by the causeway for extra security.
"The plane's just come in," said Governor Gozney into his mobile phone. "Are there a lot of people in St. George's?" (pause) "Alright. See you shortly."
He produced a dazzling white handkerchief and proceeded to blow his nose while Lady Gozney waited patiently in the backseat of the air-conditioned car.
Right behind the Governor's car awaited Premier Ewart Brown and his wife Wanda in GP1.
The plane taxied to a stop and the Governor, Lady Gozney, the Premier, Wanda Brown, Bermuda Regiment officials, secretary to the cabinet Mr. Marc Telemaque and his wife Mrs. Jameila Telemaque assembled to greet her.
The aircraft had the royal flag flapping from its great white nose.
British Airways manager Marianne Wilcox climbed the steps to the plane as per airport protocol.
The Governor then followed, emerging moments later with Her Majesty - clad from head to toe in the same shade of pink as the carpet that has been rolled out for her arrival.
She wore a string of white pearls around her neck and a rose brooch framed in diamonds that looped into a decorative bow.
Her hat, which is the same pink as her dress, carried the 'bow' theme with a purple bow resting above its rim.
Prince Philip was close behind.
She was introduced to Lady Gozney, who smiled and curtsied, then Premier Brown, who shook her hand and then Mrs. Brown - who noticeably did not curtsey.
The royal couple then entered their Range Rover - Prince Philip waving from the window - and made their exit from the airport towards the town of
St. George's with more than a dozen security vehicles in tow.
Posted: Thursday, November 26, 2009
Comment by:
Bruce McClarron / Arizona
Ladies who are introduced to The Queen of England, on 'Official Engagements' always curtsey! It is the correct protocol! (you notice I said the word "Ladies")
What did you expect from wanda brown - an "impolite commoner"...No Curtsey = NO MANNERS - NO CLASS etc. - But that was to be expected!! I'm surprised the brownes bothered to turn-up at all!! They would NOT have been missed!
If it had been obama...She would have been slobbering all over him!!
