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Tuesday, November 06, 2012

Cultural display rekindles Prince Charles memories 50 years ago

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.