Hongkongers weather heat and 3-hour queues at British consulate to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth
- Consulate estimated mourners had to wait in line for hours in ‘very hot weather’, with queues going as far as to Hong Kong Park and Cotton Tree Drive
- Book of condolence made available from 10am to 4pm every day until Friday
Under a blazing sun and unusual September heat, Emily Ng was among hundreds - if not thousands - of Hong Kong residents on Monday who queued for several hours outside the city’s British consulate to sign a book of condolence for the late Queen Elizabeth.
The long-time fan had written to the monarch once every two months over the past four years, as well as sent the queen several paintings Ng did herself.
In her letters, Ng said she shared moments from her life and the story of her grandmother, who was also an admirer of the British royal family.
“It feels like writing to a family member. I even got some replies, which were very kind and humanising,” the 30-year-old said, adding that some of the responses were tailored to her letters. “I think I’ve witnessed the human touch of the royal family.”
Ng said she developed a fondness for the monarch as a result of listening to her grandmother tell stories about the Windsors while poring over her stamp collection. The family also hung a portrait of the queen in their home.
