Sewlyn Klass remembers Queen Elizabeth a year after her death

Emmarentia resident and monarchist Selwyn Klass who had the privilege of meeting the late Queen Elizabeth II, reflects a year later since her passing on September 8.

Here is what he had to say…

During the royal family’s historic visit to South Africa in 1947, to mark her 21st birthday, Princess Elizabeth broadcast her message of intent throughout the former British Empire now known as the Commonwealth, to devote her entire life, ‘whether it be long or short’ in service. Little did she realise that within a few short years, her ailing father, King George V1, would pass and she would succeed him.

The news was received in Kenya, during a goodwill tour on behalf of the king. As succession is like a heartbeat – instantaneous – I am reminded of the quote, considering the setting at Tree Tops Safari where she could view and film the game with her cine camera, ‘she went up a tree a princess and came down a queen’.

That symbolic link to Africa continued, especially noted by the queen mother (then the queen) in remembrance of her visit. When South Africa withdrew from the Commonwealth she was said to have considered, ‘We were sorry to have lost you’. As if she had mislaid it. These sentiments were shared with South African-born royal biographer, Theo Aronson, when I launched his anecdotal book, Royal Subjects. He describes emotionally, the service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral when we rejoined the Commonwealth with the singing of Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.

Two subsequent return state visits to South Africa by Queen Elizabeth would follow, initially at the invitation of Nelson Mandela and then in 1999 when we hosted the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Durban.

As a staunch monarchist, I liaised with the high commissioner for an invite. My proposal being, a cinematographer with whom I had launched an intimate movie venue attached to his home, known as The Preview Theatre, was able to source and restore footage of The Royal Tour of ’47 as an intended gift to her majesty.

An official invitation was subsequently received to attend a function held at Museum Africa in Newtown. It’s a very humbling experience to be presented to royalty – especially to someone you’ve known all one’s life. When I grew up, my allegiance seemed to continue. Possibly my background (my mother was born a British subject as was her mother). I remember the coronation (in 1953) and being caught up in the pomp and circumstance befitting the occasion.

Her majesty was delighted to receive the footage and expressed interest on how it was acquired. She had the ability to make one feel your gesture was valued. You were the most important person in the room. A letter from Buckingham Palace confirmed how special the memory was when viewed by the queen mother.

On another occasion in 2012, to honour the silver jubilee of her majesty, a radio programme I prepared combined archival material on the transformation of Westminster Abbey to accommodate the vast assembly present for the coronation. The aim was to create a sense of visual radio with highlights of the service befitting the auspicious occasion.

The special version of Moments in Time, my programme title on Radio Today was repeated by request. I suggested to the station manager it be sent to the palace.
The CD was forwarded to Balmoral Castle in September when the queen would move court during her summer stay in Scotland. The letter of acknowledgement alluded to her majesty having derived pleasure from it’s content. I’m so grateful for that symbolic link to that much-loved setting.

To me, monarchy seen in the queen’s remarkable reign represents through 70 steadfast years, the connection to an era of past values. She represented all that truly matters – duty above all else.

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