Guest blog by Sheila O’Connor, Her Majesty’s Consul.
I was proud and privileged to have been asked to coordinate the practical arrangements for Her Majesty The Queen’s visit to the British Memorial Garden on 6 July. The Garden in Hanover Square has been built in memory of the 67 British citizens who lost their lives in the attack on the Twin Towers and in addition celebrates the historic ties of friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom.
Much planning and preparation went into the 30 minute programme and I owe huge thanks to the team at the British Memorial Garden – particularly to Izzy and Shannon for their patience and good humour in handling so many last minute changes to the arrangements – and to the terrific team of volunteers from the Consulate. We planned well and rehearsed all eventualities, but were thrown off course a little by the soaring 102 degree heat – the hottest day in Manhattan for over a decade!
In addition to meeting founders and donors, Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh spent a lot of time talking to family members who lost their loved ones in 2001. Many of them had travelled from England for this event and expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the Consulate’s role in making the event so special for them. After a touching speech from Mayor Bloomberg, Her Majesty was invited to cut the ribbon to formally open the Garden. I have to confess at that point I held my breath in anticipation – fortunately it worked like a dream. We had tried and tested the ribbon and scissors, but you just never know!
It was a beautiful occasion and a fitting tribute to the British victims of 9.11 and something I will remember for a long time.
Watch The Queen’s address to the United Nations and read more about her visit, here.