Agong Recalls Fond Memories Of Queen Elizabeth Ii

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Al-Sultan Abdullah's first meeting with Queen Elizabeth II in 1977 at the Guards Polo Club at Windsor Great Park. - Pic courtesy of Al-Sultan Abdullah’s personal archiveLONDON: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah said Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Sept 8, was an inspiring figure who was warm, kind and demonstrated her concern for all.
He said his friendship with the Queen began in 1977, when he had played polo in the United Kingdom.
"I was still young and had played polo in the same team as her son, then-Prince Charles.
"We won several championships. That was when I was introduced to the Queen, when receiving the prizes from her," he said.
Al-Sultan Abdullah has been friends with King Charles III for more than four decades and played polo together as teenagers at various levels of international tournaments.
Al-Sultan Abdullah's last meeting with the Queen was at a luncheon she hosted in Buckingham Palace in Dec 13, 2019 in conjunction with his and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah's visit to England.
He said that in that meeting, she remembered his polo playing days and asked him if he was still active.
"I told her that I wasn't, as I had knee and leg injuries. She then told me that even at her age, she was still riding horses.
"She was much older than me and was still riding. She encouraged me to ride again," he said.

The royal couple's last meeting with the British monarch in 2019 at Buckingham Palace. - Pic courtesy of Al-Sultan Abdullah’s personal archive
Al-Sultan Abdullah said he remembered Queen Elizabeth II as someone who always demonstrated concern over the welfare of Malaysia as well as his own family.
He said the Queen handled each crisis admirably and stood firm when needed, even when it involved family matters.
"This is what we should learn from her. She reached out to the people," he said.
The King also noted that the outpouring of grief and the huge number of people who turned out to pay their last respects to her was a testament to how much she was loved.
Meanwhile, on King Charles III, Al-Sultan Abdullah said it was only fair that he was given time.
"We cannot compare him immediately with the Queen, who was the second longest reigning monarch in European history.
"She went through many momentous events, 15 prime ministers, numerous cabinet members and countless crisis. But she braved through it all," he said.
Al-Sultan Abdullah was speaking to the New Straits Times in conjunction with his visit to the UK pay his last respects to Queen Elizabeth II.
He is set to attend the British monarch's funeral service tomorrow, as well as a special reception by King Charles III today.
Malaysia and the UK have enjoyed close bilateral relations since Malaysia's independence 65 years ago.
Al-Sultan Abdullah had previously ordered that the Pahang state flag be flown at half-mast for three consecutive days as a mark of respect for Queen Elizabeth II.
Following the special visit to the UK, the King and Queen's state visit to Singapore originally scheduled for Sept 19 was postponed. - NST

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