On September 8, 2022, the world awoke to the sad news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, one of the longest reigning monarchs in recent history. While the Queen was 96 years of age, the news nonetheless came as a shock, as she had been seen just days before greeting the new Prime Minister of Britain, Liz Truss.
To commemorate the life of the Queen and to allow Macau residents to pay their respects to this impressive world leader, Morrison Chapel, located next to the Macau Protestant Cemetery and near Camoes Gardens, opened its doors for visitors to come and sign a book of condolences.
The condolence book was provided by the British Consulate General in Hong Kong, represented by the UK’s honorary consul-general in Macau, Professor Glenn McCartney.
Professor McCartney, was the first person to write in Queen’s condolence book, followed by businesswoman and owner of Lord Stow’s bakery, Eileen Stow, both recipients of the Order of the British Empire for contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations and public service outside the Civil Service.
“She was the only queen I have ever known in my life. I can’t imagine the British monarchy without Elizabeth II,” Professor McCartney says, recalling times from his adolescence in the UK when the Queen made a “deep impression” on him.
On both days, a steady stream of people came to Morrison Chapel to write messages in the book dedicated to the memory of the British monarch. Next to the chapel altar were two colour portraits of the Queen, one adorning the table covered with a purple cloth and holding the heavy, leather-bound condolence book flanked by two black pens from the well-known British brand Parker.
Many people also brought bouquets of flowers and placed them in front of the altar, on either side of the table reserved for this final dedication to Queen Elizabeth II, arguably one of the most significant world figures in the 20th century.
“It was wonderful to see the church so full, and so many people just sitting in that peaceful setting. Many people just sat there looking at the photo of Her Majesty and reflecting quietly while they waited to sign the book. It was a lovely ambiance and a genuine expression of people’s condolence, love and affection, and sense of loss,” says the honorary consul-general.
Among the visitors was former pro-Democrat MP Au Kam San and his wife, Virginia Cheang Mio San who noted that they were fans of the monarch.
“Not only did the British admire Queen Elizabeth II, other people of other nationalities also admired her very much, as is our case,” said a moved Virginia.
Professor McCartney also observed that it was not only British people who came to sign the condolence book.
“Her Majesty was a unique figure. Friends from Portugal, China and other nationalities came to pay their respects,” he notes. “I was particularly impressed to see many young locals and Chinese attending.”
Over 200 signatures and messages were collected overall. The condolence book is now on its way back to the UK, via the Hong Kong Consulate, to be presented to the Royal family.
