Some days you never forget. Yesterday will be one of mine. As the pussycat, pussycat nursery rhyme goes, “I’ve been up to London to visit the Queen…” In my case, not quite a visit, but near as dammit…
It came during my first visit to historic Westminster Abbey, which for over 950 years has hosted the coronation of every English monarch (barring two Edwards who were never crowned). The invitation was courtesy of compatriot Lewis Pugh, extreme swimmer and UN Patron of the Oceans, who presented the “reflection” at Queen Elizabeth’s annual Commonwealth Service.
Lewis arranged a Press Pass, which put me within ten metres of the Queen, and even closer to her son Charles, his sons William and Harry (and their glamorous princesses). Seated behind me was former BBC Royal Correspondent Wesley Kerr OBE who provided a fascinating commentary. A lot more personal than what millions got from the BBC’s live TV broadcast.
As it happens the eloquent Kerr, an expert in such things, gave Lewis’s speech a big thumbs up. And reckons the hostess did too, pointing out that afterwards, Queen Elizabeth II spent a lot longer than normal engaging with the UCT graduate with the distinctive South African accent. Yep. Some days you just never forget. Not so, Mr Pugh?
From Lewis Pugh, United Nations Patron of the Oceans
I’m delighted to let you know that following our address to the Commonwealth, the UK has announced today that it will fully protect the waters around Ascension Island, a jewel in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. They will fully protect an area of 445,000 square kilometres.
Ascension Island was my first introduction to a true wilderness area as a young boy. We sailed there from Bristol and then onto Cape Town. I will never forget watching sharks circling our boat, green turtles laying eggs, and the waters literally bubbling with life. Ascension Island is a rare survivor of extraordinary abundance in a sea of decline.
Amazing result!
