Queen Elizabeth II wrapped up a Golden Jubilee tour of New Zealand with a glimpse of the top-secret yacht the country will use in next year’s Americas Cup and greeting a crowd of thousands during a walkabout. Before she moved on to her next stop in Australia, however, she hosted a garden party at Government House in Auckland where she chatted to legendary climber Sir Edmund Hillary, who conquered Mount Everest 50 years ago.
The monarch and the 82-year-old New Zealander shared headlines in 1953 when the historic feat, accomplished with Sherpa Tensing Norgay, was announced on the day of her coronation.
“I’ve had the good fortune to meet the Queen several times,” said Sir Edmund at the gala garden event. “She’s a very charming lady.”
Her Majesty arrived in Australia on Wednesday to begin the next leg of her Commonwealth tour, which she began in Jamaica on February 18. The five-day visit began in the Southern Australian city of Adelaide, with a 21-gun military salute and an Aboriginal dance ceremony welcoming the monarch. She will attend a state dinner on Wednesday, while Thursday’s itinerary includes a visit to the Barossa Valley wine region and a meet-and-greet with fellow corgi breeders.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
