Hong Kong Pays Tribute with Final Message to 'Boss Lady', the Queen

A spontaneous tribute to a Queen who earned the deep respect of Hong Kong's citizens.

Credit: Royal Collection Trust

The news on Thursday gave people all across the Commonwealth deep sadness and sorrow. The passing of Her late Majesty The Queen is a great loss not just for the Royal Family, but also to the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the World.

As a son and grandson of Hong Kongers who lived in Hong Kong during the times of British rule, I know I speak for many people born before and after the 1997 Handover when I say that we mourn her death.

Her contribution to Hong Kong and the people of Hong Kong is remarkable. During Hong Kong’s 156 years under British rule, Her late Majesty visited my city four times. At all times showing remarkable respect to our culture and tradition, treating my people with respect and in return, she gained our enduring respect. During her visit in 1975, she walked into a public housing apartment with very little security to talk with a resident there; she visited a swimming pool, walked amongst people shopping in a wet market and toured the city centre as people pressed to see her face; her distance with the people of Hong Kong only a few feet.

Yesterday in Hong Kong, people spontaneously climbed to the top of Lion Hill, the hill symbolising resilience, hard-work and the sense of belonging for Hong Kong’s citizens. They turned on their flashlights and torches to form the message ‘QE II RIP’ as their final tribute to Her late Majesty.

In the days of British Hong Kong, the people of Hong Kong affectionately called Her late Majesty, the ‘Boss-lady (事頭婆)’, and this old nickname was recalled again by all Hong Kong people this week.

I believe I speak on behalf of all the people of Hong Kong when I say, ‘Thank you, Boss-lady’. May she rest in peace.

God Save the King.

Written by Jay Chan.