KUALA LUMPUR: Queen Elizabeth II has strong personal links with Malaysia and has lively memories of her three trips here, says British High Commissioner to Malaysia Charles Hay.

       Her Majesty’s government and the Malaysian government have also enjoyed a close relationship, he said.

       Some of Her Majesty’s government’s work in Malaysia included contributing a total of RM80.2mil (￡15mil) in the last three years alone to implement economic partnership programmes here, said Hay.

       “Her Majesty has strong personal links with Malaysia. I was privileged to have an audience with her to receive my credentials before coming here and I was struck by her very lively memories of her three trips here.

       “The most remembered visit was probably Her Majesty’s presence at the closing of the Commonwealth Games at the Bukit Jalil Stadium in 1998,” said Hay in his speech at a grand reception to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and 96th birthday at the Sime Darby International Gallery yesterday.

       Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah also graced the occasion, while Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz was the guest of honour.

       Hay, in his speech, paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II who is the longest serving British monarch in history.

       “Just three days ago, the Queen became the second longest reigning monarch in the modern world, clocking up 70 years and 127 days on the throne, second only to King Louis XIV of France, who became King when he was four years old,” said Hay, drawing laughter from the audience.

       Hay added that through the seven decades of her reign, Queen Elizabeth II has been an important source of stability and strength for the United Kingdom.

       “She has transcended politics, change of government, wars and the pandemic,” he said.

       Besides Her Majesty’s sense of duty and tireless devotion to a life of service, Hay said she also has a “brilliant sense of humour and excellent comic timing” as seen in a recent iconic short film of her having tea with Paddington Bear.

       Last week, Queen Elizabeth II delighted millions of viewers by appearing in a surprise comic sketch with Paddington Bear for her jubilee celebrations, revealing she loves marmalade sandwiches and keeps an emergency stash in her famous handbag.

       Hay reiterated that the United Kingdom and Malaysia have a deep shared history which today has flourished into a modern-day partnership with both countries working collaboratively across areas of mutual interest

       Bilateral trade between the United Kingdom and Malaysia has totalled over RM26.7bil (￡5bil) with Britain seeking to grow priority sectors such as education, technology, smart cities and healthcare.

       The reception was attended by over 800 guests including members of Malaysian royalty, senior ministry representatives, youth and NGO representatives, the diplomatic corps and business community.

       Guests who attended the reception were treated to a showcase of British culture and pageantry, British food, performances by the Great British Circus as well as a selection of hit songs in the United Kingdom spanning 70 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.

       Also on display were portraits of Queen Elizabeth II by Malaysian pencil artist Hakim Abdullah and digital artwork by British artist Rachel Gray.