Queen Elizabeth II

A Leeds encounter: Thomas Kenneth Paley (Mining Engineering 1959)

I was a student at Leeds in 1958 and unknowingly walked behind Her Majesty when walking from the student union to the main campus. It was only when my colleague told me that I realised who it was.

Warm charm in Malaysia: Mina Cheah (Computer Science & Management Studies 1982)

I met Queen Elizabeth when she visited Malaysia. I had the honour of showing her aspects of my business. We chatted for a few minutes and she had an amazing ability to be present and seemed to be genuinely interested in our conversation. Amazing, as she was the Queen and had been introduced to strangers and situations much more spectacular than that.

I also had a glimpse of her sense of humour and her disarming charm when I was asked by her foreign minister to "turn Her Majesty around" to face the assembled press.

A special letter: Julie Benson (Engineering 1983)

My mother Irene Dickinson wrote a letter to the Queen in the 1980s to express her gratitude and admiration for the Queen’s service to the country. My mother also said she was proud of her family and hoped the Queen was proud of her family. We have a lovely letter from the Queen from her lady-in-waiting, which said the Queen was very touched by my mother’s letter.

Opening the Human Story exhibition: Juma Bakari (MA Theatre Studies 1997)

In November 1985 I shook hands with Queen Elizabeth at the Commonwealth Institute in London. She was officially opening the Human Story exhibition. I was the head of the Tanzanian actors from Bagamoyo College of Arts who collaborated with English actors in a joint theatre production. The English actors were from Welfare State International company from Cumbria.

Making people happy: Michael Buckley (Communications and New Media 2005)

The Queen opened Pride Park Stadium, Derby, on 18 July 1997 and my late father took me and my siblings to watch her from the stands as her car performed a circuit. She made that occasion special because you could sense she genuinely cared for the cause, not because she liked Derby or football particularly, but because she knew it made us, her people, happy. From that moment, I viewed her with such admiration because she lived for others and that is truly inspiring act of leadership and faith.

The garden party: Beka Shackleton (Biomedical Science 2020)

I met the Queen when I stewarded at her garden party. She came out to thank all the helpers personally and was so kind.

A visit to West Berlin: Wolfgang Mackiewicz (German and English Philology Erasmus Scheme 1962)

I had the honour to be introduced to the Queen during her 1987 visit to West Berlin. To my surprise, she knew more about me than I myself. Before the meeting, I was coached for two days – facial expressions, what I was allowed to say, how to speak etc. It was a milestone in my life, of which I have, even at the age of 82, vivid memories.

A chance encounter: Elsa Gonçalves (Artificial Intelligence 1996)

On 15th March 1996, it was my first day at Leeds and my Erasmus counsellor told me to take the rest of the day off and visit the city. So I did. When I was passing the City Hall I saw lots of police and asked what was going on, and a policeman told me that the Queen was in the building and was coming out to greet people. So I waited and the Queen was right in front of me as she received some flowers. It was such a nice first day in Leeds.

Family and unity: Sherika Whitelocke-Ballingsingh (MA Public Health International 2016)

I remember my first time seeing Queen Elizabeth II was at the Commonwealth celebration at Westminster Abbey in 2016. The memories I treasured from her are the values of family and unity.

A visit to Gambia: Ansumana Sillah (MA Health Management Planning and Policy 1997)

HM Queen Elizabeth II visited The Gambia in 1961 when I was in primary school. She brought along gifts for school children. We - the school children - had a mug with sweets and the Union flag. In addition school children in the capital city, Banjul, received six pence each. She put a smile on the faces of a lot of Gambian children and their teachers. May she have a peaceful rest.

Merry Christmas: Oleksandra Miroshnychenko (Law 2018)

I received a letter from the Queen wishing me Merry Christmas while I was doing my exchange year in Leeds.

A radiant smile: Pauline Dillworth (English 1975)

I attended a Royal Green Jackets (RGJ) event in Winchester. The Queen, a diminutive figure, walked through the crowd of RGJs and their guests with a radiant smile, and a beautiful turquoise suit. I remember her smiling at me. It was the radiance of the smile – quite extraordinary. I shall never forget it. We have lost a symbol of a generation and a 'family member' who changed – but stayed the same.

Making up for a missed handshake: Simon Potter (English and History 1969)

The Queen made a visit to my school in 1961 and she went along us boys shaking roughly every fourth hand. I calculated that she would shake mine next and had my hand out all ready, but she went past five pupils this time to the boy next to me instead

She made up for it in 2016 however. I was greatly impressed by the Queen's friendly wit and grasp of detail when she awarded me an MBE for my work in education at Windsor Castle – and her stamina; there were 71 of us getting awards and she was standing for over an hour.

Life in the royal household: Emily Coen (English & History 2011)

I was part of the British Airways communications team who arranged the Queen’s visit to our headquarters for the airline’s centenary celebrations in 2019. She stood 5ft away from me and her smile and complexion were truly radiant. I spoke to her driver for close to 15 minutes and he shared some fantastic snippets of what life was like in the royal household. A truly unforgettable day.

The space simulator: Michael Needham (Geography 1962) 

I met the Queen at the Science Museum London on 27 June, 2000. The Queen, a patron of the museum, was there to open several new exhibits, of which a motion simulator experience (Voyage to Mars) had been conceived and installed by SimEx Inc., of which I was a founder.

The SimEx team were disappointed when the Queen's staff advised her that the Voyage experience may be too vigorous for her. Still the SimEx team were delighted by Her Majesty’s interest and when a team member from Japan wearing a kimono bowed low, the Queen smiled brightly.

Later a gentleman introduced himself and said that the Queen would like to meet me. Surprised and nervously elated I followed him while trying to remember the protocol advice he was rapidly giving me. The Queen quickly put me at ease; asking me to describe the voyage experience, about how the simulator technology worked, and how the film had been made. With a smile she regretted not having taken the voyage but said she could now impress her family with her knowledge of space voyages and tell them to visit (which they later did).

For me and the SimEx team, it was a lasting joyful memory.

The Coldstream Guards: Robert Burgess (History 1962)

Some years ago, I had on my staff David Redstone, former Drum Major of the Coldstream Guards, who had some wonderful stories of ceremonial duties. Including this one.

The band of the Coldstream Guards were to provide music for a royal garden party, and took up their places for a play. Having completed the set, the bandsmen were looking forward to being ordered to “fall out for char and a wad.” However, the bandmaster was not satisfied with the performance and ordered a further play immediately. The bandsmen were not happy. Items one and two were played without incident, but during item three, David became aware that some of the band had stopped playing. During four, some others also randomly stopped, and in five, David was gesticulating wildly at the band as the whole lot stopped. Windmilling and about to “tell their fortune”, he was halted when the whole band erupted (his word) into the St. Louis Blues (not in the programme) in flat out swing tempo, completely ignoring his baton strokes, before subsiding to a discordant shambolic stop. David’s eye caught a movement at an upstairs window in the palace. HM was looking on, shoulders shaking in helpless mirth at the goings on below. What a privilege to have made our Queen hoot with laughter.

Drawing for the Queen: Olivia Waldron (PGDip Physician Associate Studies 2017)

When I was 11, I remember watching a documentary about Queen Elizabeth called Elizabeth R. They said she received so many letters from the public, and unfortunately couldn't reply to them all. I decided to write a letter, and included a school photo of myself, and a drawing that I did for the Queen. I was so surprised when I received a letter with the Buckingham Palace stamp; the Queen had asked her lady-in-waiting to reply to me. I was so happy and proud. I still have the letter framed, now some 30 years later. She will be sadly missed.

Interest, enthusiasm and humanity: Janet Bell (Fine Art 1978)

In 2003, while attending a drawing course with Francis Hodgson principally drawing in the British Museum, notice was given that the Queen was to visit the Prince's Drawing School. The class was relocated to the school and a set piece created with several models in poses from the Parthenon temple. Much to my surprise, when the queen walked into the room, she approached me and asked what we were doing.

I was struck by her interest, enthusiasm and humanity.

A visit from the Beefeaters: Mabeth Davies (Arts Education with Drama 2005)

When I was 18/19 I was working in a hotel in Leeds. The Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) were guests. They told me the times and route the Queen would make the following day during a Civic Reception and opening of the Royal Armouries.

Early the following morning, I rang my grandparents and asked if they would like to see the Queen (at this point I had been involved with all Royal Celebrations from the Silver Jubilee, when I was mere three months old) and my nana asked “would I?!”

I went to an area I told would be quieter and pushed my grandparents forward – just as Her Majesty approached. My nana took courage and said: “Welcome to Yorkshire, Ma’am.” Queen Elizabeth looked at my nana and said “thank you”.

It was only on 9 September 2022 that I discovered that the trip to Leeds was the day after the Dunblane tragedy and she had spoken about the loss of those children and their teacher later in the day. What humanity she had. I am grateful I lived during your reign.

The Royal Gala: George Lahoud (MD Medicine 2007)

In 1970 while I was a junior doctor at Walton Hospital in Liverpool, I received a surprise official royal invitation to attend the Royal Gala Performance. On the day we all stood outside the main entrance awaiting Her Majesty’s arrival. I was very fortunate to be standing so close to the main entrance when the late Queen Elizabeth walked by and gave me a beautiful radiant smile which made my day. Like all of us we loved our gracious Queen, who will be truly missed.

Golden jubilee: Samantha Pugh (Colour Chemistry 2001)

My sister was performing at the golden jubilee visit in 2002 with her Leeds secondary school. We were there very early and were at the front of the barrier when the Queen walked around the square to greet well-wishers. She was so radiant

Devotion to duty: Robin Goodyear (Agriculture 1961)

I met the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in Yogyakarta, Java, on the morning they had been told of the attempted kidnap of Princess Anne in the Mall in March 1974. They carried on with their schedule despite the stress and the sweltering heat. A small example of devotion to duty.

A trip to Briggate: Kirsty Schofield (Sociology 2009)

I remember when she came to Leeds I went to cheer as she walked down Briggate and spoke to members of the crowd. It was a special moment when she walked passed and smiled. 

Spotting the Rolls-Royce: Louise McPhie (Classical Civilisation 2000)

I remember seeing the Queen at the train station of our local town, and recall the excitement of waiting with my mum and nanny to catch a glimpse of the Queen and Prince Philip as they left the station in their Rolls-Royce.

A world of opportunity: Tobias Takavarasha (Agricultural Economics 1979)

I benefited from a British Council Scholarship to study at the University of Leeds in 1978 that gave me an opportunity to stay in the beautiful country of Her Majesty the Queen. I owe her my gratitude and will always cherish fond memories of Leeds and the United Kingdom during part of her reign.

Visiting Buckingham Palace: Acep Unang Rahayu (TESOL 1995)

I had no chance to meet her face to face even though I dreamed of doing so. But I had a great moment when I was able to enter Buckingham Palace and enjoy the beauty inside it. It was open for public around August 1995. Thanks England and the Queen.

A lasting legacy: Mahendra Khanal (MA International Educational Management 2003)

I had an opportunity to attend a school in Nepal which was part of a project gifted by her Majesty the Queen under Colombo Plan on the request from our then-King Mahendra Birabikram Shahadev. The school was led by British teachers and faculties for many years and it was visited by Prince Charles in the year 1980 on his royal visit to Nepal.        

Condolences: Betrinah Hlophe (MA Public Health 2017)   

As students from Swaziland, we visited our ambassador in London in 2017, where it was communicated to us how Queen Elizabeth loved and welcomed us. We even visited the palace. I would like to say thank you for having had the pleasure of receiving the Commonwealth Award to study in the UK. May she rest in peace forever.

A companion at Christmas: Yeh P.R. (MBA 2014)

The Queen gave the warmest Christmas speech for a lonely foreign student.

Always in our hearts: Beatrice Wong (Textile design 1985)

She is always in our hearts, may her majesty Queen Elizabeth II rest in peace. She is a symbol of love, courage, commitment, an example for all of us.

Twin events: Claire Vassallo (MA Healthcare Ethics 2002)

I was born in the year of her Silver Jubilee. My parents were on holiday in London from Gibraltar during celebrations and I was 'in utero' at those events. The photo album was full of memorabilia of the jubilee as well as family pics. I got married this year, the year of her Platinum Jubilee. It was lovely that two events in my life coincided with her jubilees.

Family values: Paul Fletcher (Economics and Politics 1973)

Being of my parents' generation, I grew up with her as well as them. She thus contributed to my conditioning, my DNA even, instilling values – loyalty, endeavour, honesty, humility – for which I will be forever grateful.

Support through COVID-19: Zoey Zhang (International Communication 2016)

Though I never met Queen during my time in UK, I do remember her TV speech during COVID-19, which made us feel the sense of reunion and sent spiritual power to us. The sorrow for her death fills social media in China. I mourn with deep grief.

An inspiration: Shaikha Mufeez (PhD Education 2014)

I am deeply saddened by the passing of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Although I never had the honour to meet her, she was an inspiration to me. Her life story, her wisdom and her good judgment should be learnt by all people around the world. She will be missed.

Remembering the coronation: Ruth Marris-Macaulay (History 1970)

I was five years old when the coronation took place and it was the first time I had ever seen television. We did not have our own set, but a neighbour who did invited my mother to bring me and my sister over to watch it. We were both in our pyjamas having barely recovered from some childhood illness (which one I have entirely forgotten) and we sat cross-legged on the floor in front of the - by today's standards - tiny television set in its wooden cabinet with doors to close off its offending screen when proper social intercourse was taking place.

I don't remember a lot. The legs of the many horses going by in the procession stay in my mind and wondering whether the crown was really heavy to wear. What if it slipped off? I thought the Queen was magical. I also remember learning that, on the same day, Hillary and Tenzing reached the summit of Mount Everest for the first time.

Maha Al-Hammadi (MSc Climate change and Environmental Policy 2016)

I remember when his excellency Sheikh Tameem Althani visited the UK in 2015, he met the late Queen Elizabeth and talked about how many Qatari students were in UK, and she was impressed and looked happy. The next day he met us at the Dorchester and told us about her. 

A beautiful day: Tom Gordon (International History and Politics 1982)       

I vividly remember the coronation. My family had a television - a 14 inch screen - and I was seated at the front on a wooden stool, made by my young uncle. It was a beautiful day, there was a street party and celebration.

Love and respect: Zixuan Wang (Business Psychology 2020)

As a foreigner who lived in UK for a short period of time, I have sensed the respect and love of the nation for the Queen, knowing that she represents the core sprit of the British and the passing 20th century. I never had the chance to truly meet her, but I got a chance to see a picture of her in York. The first word that came to mind was lovely, and I know she is a remarkable woman and to me, a kid born in 1997, more like a granny. R.I.P

Colonel-in-chief: Peter Haden (Music 1966)

From Leeds I was commissioned into the army in 1966.  I was always – and still am – proud of the fact that for the next 25 years she was our Colonel-in-chief.  

A unifying symbol: Timur Abdulazizov (Public Administration 2019)

As long as I can remember, Queen Elizabeth II was a unifying symbol in the UK, being a role model of how a reigning royal family should act and influence the country and worldwide. She was always wise and a kind person sharing human merits and values like nobody else in global politics. I saw Her Majesty on TV during early childhood and was inspired by how calm and confident she spoke on overcoming global issues by finding kindness in our hearts. She will remain in my memory not just as a ruler but as a teacher and close friend whom you can trust and admire.       

Trip to Thailand: Karan Korntong (Southeast Asian Studies 2012) 

I never had a chance to meet with the Queen but what I do remember clearly is her picture when she was visiting Thailand a long time ago. She was such a great person. We will never forget her.