The Prince of Wales
surprised Papua New Guineans this morning at the Sir John Guise Stadium with his
introduction in tok pisin.
In tok pisin the
prince told the crowd: “Mi bringem bikpela tok hamamas biltong Mejesti Kwin
bilong Papua Niugini na olgeta haus lain bilong mi lon dispela taim bilong
Diamon Jubili bilon misis kwin
na olgeta haus lain bilong mi lon dispela taim bilong Diamon
Jubili bilong misis kwin.”
The crowd responded instantly with cheers echoing through the
stadium.
The translation: I bring you
greetings from Her Majesty The Queen of Papua New Guinea and from all my Family
Members during this celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of The
Queen.
The Prince then asked the
crowd: “Mi tokpisin orait.” (Was my tok pidgin all right). The crowded responded
‘yes’ with cheers and smiles.
The Prince’s recall of his
first visit in 1975 during the country’s Independence proved how much the future
king has grown fond with Papua New Guinea.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I hope
you will forgive me reminiscing a little.
“For I paid my first visit here
nearly 50 years ago, the happy result of an extension to my school career in
Australia. I have never forgotten the profound impact of that visit.
“I vividly recall the powerful
worship in Dogura Cathedral which affected me greatly; and, I was overwhelmed
to learn that, at Wadua, the drums had been beating for several days in anticipation of my arrival.
“The importance of Papua New
Guinean culture has remained with me ever since. It was therefore a particular
pleasure, having welcomed Papua New Guineans living in Britain
to St. James's Palace a few
days ago, that my wife and I could depart to the beat of a kundu drum.
