Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Visits to Harare, Zimbabwe

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had several notable visits to Harare, Zimbabwe, as part of her extensive royal tours. The visits were significant not only in terms of state affairs but also in representing the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Below, we delve into some of her most memorable visits to Harare.

Princess Elizabeth’s 1947 Visit

Way before she became the Queen, Her Majesty was still Princess Elizabeth and she made her first visit to Harare in 1947. This visit occurred when she was 21 years old, accompanied by her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother), along with her sister, Princess Margaret. The group traveled to Africa as a part of Princess Elizabeth's official royal tour.

1991 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Harare

In 1991, after her coronation, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Harare, Zimbabwe. At the time, Zimbabwe was still a member of the Commonwealth. This visit was significant as it brought the Queen to her country for a different reason, not just a ceremonial visit, but as an active participant in a high-level international conference.

1971 Royal Visit

Around a decade after her first visit to Harare and while still Princess Elizabeth, the Queen made another extended visit in 1971. This visit was notable for its multiple destinations within the country, including:

Meikles Hotel in Harare: The Meikles Hotel is one of the iconic hotels in Zimbabwe and has been a favorite among British royalty for many years. Her Majesty stayed and enjoyed the hospitality at this location. Victoria Falls Hotel: Sanding up in Eastern Highlands, the Victoria Falls Hotel is perched at the foot of the breathtaking Victoria Falls. The Queen also stayed here, admiring the natural wonder. Leopard Rock Hotel: This hotel sits on the summit of the Owl and Moth Tablelands, offering panoramic views. The Queen's visit to this hotel provided her with a serene and peaceful stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Great Zimbabwe: As a site of immense historical and archaeological significance, Great Zimbabwe was a key destination for the Queen. She visited this ancient city, which embodies the rich history and culture of the area.

The Queen Mother's Visit in 1960

In 1960, Her Majesty's mother visited Zimbabwe as the Queen Mother. Besides representing the British and Commonwealth interest, she also played a key role in opening the Kariba Dam, a significant infrastructure project for the area. This dam was an important milestone in the development of Zimbabwe.

Conclusion

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II made several visits to Harare, Zimbabwe, each of which held a unique significance. These visits were not only personal but also served to strengthen the ties between the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and Zimbabwe.

Keywords

Her Majesty, Harare, Zimbabwe, Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting