Many came to pay tribute to the “boss lady” – an affectionate nickname for the queen who was Hong Kong’s colonial head of state for 45 years – while also appreciating the opportunity to meet like-minded Hong Kongers and share their memories of the city under British rule during the long wait. Rallies and protests – once common in a thriving center for civil liberties – have long since disappeared from Hong Kong’s streets since Beijing introduced a sweeping national security law two years ago in response to anti-government protests in 2019. The queen’s death has sparked, for some, a deep sense of sadness that goes beyond fond remembrance to a mourning for what they recall as a golden age of Hong Kong, when it grew from a poor city into an international metropolis. which prided itself on its economic success and strong political freedoms. “This is a rare opportunity for real Hong Kong people to come together in solidarity and talk. I don’t suppose there will be another chance again. As of 2019, we cannot do this,” said a social worker in her 30s, who declined to give her name. “We talked about her visits to Hong Kong – she was cute but down-to-earth,” he said, referring to the Queen’s 1975 visit when she was photographed talking to hawkers in a market and visiting a public housing estate. “But mostly, we talked about how the British brought the rule of law, the free economy, the education system, universal health care, public housing, social and political reforms. We believe these were their greatest contributions to Hong Kong.” Flowers left outside the UK consulate in Hong Kong. Photo: Vernon Yuen/REX/Shutterstock Some in the queue were wary of the police presence, but felt some degree of protection outside the British consulate. Others avoided being seen grieving in public, fearing that the authorities would watch them. The Beijing-backed Ta Kung Pao newspaper accused the Hong Kong mourners of “colonial nostalgia” and said it was proof that work on “decolonization” needed to be stepped up. He also accused the “anti-Chinese media” of peddling “political propaganda” over the queen’s death. Li, a 73-year-old pensioner in line, stayed awake after the Queen’s death was announced after 1am in Hong Kong. He recalled his feelings after escaping from China to Hong Kong in 1964: “I saw her picture in government offices and thought, ‘I’m lucky enough to come to Hong Kong. Now I can do everything freely, I could study and choose my job without political considerations. I have to work hard and live a decent life.” The caption of an online cartoon titled ‘Goodbye Boss’ read: ‘She didn’t ask us to learn the British national anthem, nor the history of her country. He asked no patriotism or praise for her, yet she lives forever in our hearts.” Amidst a sea of floral tributes, photos of the Queen and several Paddington bears, one message read: “You will be remembered for your elegance and your heritage: a once free and civilized Hong Kong.”
