It was such a small, inconsequential royal encounter.
Yet, it remains a fond memory I will cherish forever.
As a third-year journalism student, I had been given the opportunity to become a media liaison officer at the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games.
I was crestfallen when I learned I had been offered the lawn bowls instead of the more glamorous swimming.
But when the rumours were confirmed that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II would be visiting the Moorooka Bowls Club venue during the competition, my spirits lifted slightly.
I’m not what you’d call a royalist. The egalitarian side of me would much prefer Australia to be a republic.
But the Queen was the Queen.
The grandmotherly type who spoke to us on telly every Christmas Day.
The beautiful young lady we recognised from the photos gracing the walls of every government office, Church of England hall and conservative business.
The short-statured woman our parents took us to see from afar – frantically waving Union Jacks – after her arrival with Prince Philip for the Captain Cook Bicentenary celebrations in 1970.
Our noble Queen.
Destined to long reign over us.
So, I couldn’t … wouldn’t … pass up the chance to be in her presence again – this time up close.
I still remember the adrenaline building as officials lined up the volunteers to eagerly await the sovereign guest of honour.
We already had been given a crash course in royal etiquette.
When the Queen finally appeared, all eyes were upon her and at last we could see what all the fuss was about.
This was no ordinary mother.
The way she held herself, the genuine interest on her face, her dignity and grace, her strength and sparkle – you couldn’t help but be in awe.
As she drew near, barely 30cm separating her from the orderly line, I spoke a barely audible “hello, Your Majesty” and curtsied.
I swear she smiled back.
Such a simple gesture but one that meant the world to me and one I hold dear in these sad days following her death.
The Queen did so much more than pass by in the lives of Australians and millions of other people around the globe.
She was also a seasoned and measured diplomat, a wise confidante and adviser of world leaders, and the golden thread that held the Commonwealth of Nations together for seven decades.
There is no taking away from the story of a young Princess who shouldered an enormous responsibility that was thrust upon her, vowed to commit to a lifetime of service to the Commonwealth and her people and elevated herself to the status of an extraordinary woman in history.
Thank you for the memories, Your Majesty.
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