Last Friday was an exciting day for our class. We found out that we were going to meet Queen Camilla at Government House on Wednesday 20th March 2024. It was a complete surprise! We were filled with anticipation and excitement, knowing that this would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.The Queen was here to give City Status to Douglas.
In the days leading up to the meeting, we had to make several preparations. We were asked to write a biography about Queen Camilla, so we could learn more about her life and achievements. It was fascinating to discover her incredible journey and how she became a member of the royal family.
Additionally, we had to rehearse and perfect our curtsy and bow. We learned the proper etiquette and practiced in our classroom to make sure we got it right. It was important to make a good impression and show respect when meeting a member of the royal family.
On the day of our meeting with Queen Camilla, we had a very busy day. It began with our music lesson with Miss Temple who is a teacher at Bemahague. She helped us practise the Royal Anthem and Manx National Anthem - they are very high to sing! After an early lunch, we received our especially designed badges to wear for this special visit! At 12.30 p.m we walked as a year group to Government House, which only took us 20 minutes! The sun was just beginning to shine, adding an extra sparkle to the special day. As we arrived, we saw lots of people arriving and they had to be checked by the police. We were introduced to Christian Cowley who was our designated helper for the afternoon. He arranged us on the lawn in rows of 6 and 8 but decided to move us closer to Onchan Silver Band. We were given flags to wave proudly. The flags fluttered in the gentle breeze, filling the air with a sense of patriotism.
Standing beside us was the Onchan Silver Band, playing majestic tunes. Their music filled our hearts with pride and excitement. It was like a soundtrack for the day - making it even more memorable.
At 13.20 Christian told us that the Queen was ahead of time so she was going to arrive early. We could see the newspaper, radio and TV teams getting into position in front of us. John Moss from Manx Radio spoke to Bowen and Maddison and asked them if this was better than school - Bowen replied “Yes!” At 13.24 Her Majesty Queen Camilla arrived and was welcomed by Chief Minister Alf Cannon, President of Tynwald Laurence Skelly and the Speaker of the House of Keys Juan Watterson (who were dressed in their Tynwald robes with wigs on too!) The Queen went inside the house for a few minutes.
13.47 Finally, the moment we had all been waiting for arrived. Queen Camilla stepped out of Government House and was greeted with a warm Manx reception where the guests clapped and we waved our flags. We sang the Royal anthem first and then the Manx National Anthem.
Then the Queen walked around the lawn meeting the RNLI, Fynodree, Onchan Primary School, Civil Defence and then us. She asked us what we are doing for the Easter holidays and hopes we get lots of chocolate and was keen to know where our school was. The Lieutenant Governor, Sir John Lorimer, said: ‘Well done” and gave us a thumbs up as he followed the Queen. Before we left, Manx Radio came to interview some us! Annabelle and Harper told the reporter about meeting the Queen.
Then we were allowed to leave before everyone else, walking back to school via the Governor’s kitchen garden where we could see the chef making the canapés and jam tarts for the guests!
It was incredible to have a conversation with someone so important, yet so down-to-earth.
Throughout the day, I couldn't help but feel a mix of pride, joy and gratitude. Meeting Queen Camilla was an unforgettable experience, and I will cherish the memories forever.
