When Queen Elizabeth II visited Fiji in March 1970, Sir Robert Foster, the former aide-de-camp to Fiji’s Governor-General, had the privilege of mingling with her husband, Prince Philip. The royal couple were accompanied by their daughter, Princess Anne.
“I first met the royal family when we went to do the traditional ceremony of welcoming them on shore from their royal yacht Britannia at the Suva’s foreshore, he shared with The Fiji Times recently. “It was called the cavuikelekele ceremony. “I was only 27 years old at that time.
The royal family stayed in Fiji for two nights. “When the royal family had the banquet in the royal yacht, I had the privilege of going to these types of state events. Her said when Prince Philip saw him, he stopped to speak to him.
“He tapped him on the shoulder and said, ‘how are you young man’? “Looking forward to Fiji’s independence?
“So, the prince was able to make conversation with you with the way he approached you and the type of questions he asked.
“It brings me fond memories of the late prince.” On March 6 1970 The Fiji Times covered the royal tour. Light showers and overcast skies greeted the royal yacht on that day.
But soon after the Britannia dropped anchor mid-harbour, the skies cleared giving way to brilliant sunshine.
And as the Britannia approached the entrance to the main Suva passage escorted by the Royal New Zealand Navy frigate, HMNZS Waikato, the echoes of a 21-gun salute fired by a Fiji Military Forces battery on Kings Wharf sounded across the harbour.
The Queen looked refreshed after her overnight voyage from Lautoka. She was presented with a tabua by the Vunivalu of Rewa, Ratu Jone Mataitini, in a short Fijian ceremony on the deck of the royal yacht.
The Queen accepted the tabua with reverence and without saying a word handed it to her matanivanua (herald), Josua Rabukawaqa, who was Commissioner Central at that time.
Princess Anne, who was visiting Fiji for the first time, looked on with interest, watching each details of the short ceremony.
Accompanying Ratu Jone were the Qaranivalu, Ratu Vitu Qiolevu, Sailosi Raisele, the chairman of the Kadavu Provincial Council, Jona Vata, Josua Bogidau and Atunaisa Tavuto.
After the ceremony, the Queen handed the tabua by Mr Rabukawaqa. She examined it carefully turning it around in her hands and asking the Governor, Sir Robert Foster, and Mr Rabukawaqa questions.
Present at the ceremony were 12 press and radio representatives — eight of whom were foreign journalists.
