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3.
Some of the most significant of all the changes that Hong Kong has experienced since Her Majesty's first visit are political - the increasingly close relations with the People's Republic of China, the negotiation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration in 1984, and the rapid development of public participation in the administration of the territory. I believe that Her Majesty will have been impressed by the changes which these have brought to Hong Kong.
4.
A copy of the programme is attached at Annex II. It began with a drama beyond everyones control. As Her Majesty approached Hong Kong at the end of her visit to China, so did typhoon Ellen. Fortunately it dispersed in time to the West and on the morning of Her Majesty's arrival the sun shone on the spectacular and stirring sight of the Royal Yacht Britannia entering Victoria Harbour accompanied by an escort of naval and police vessels and an RAF and RHKAAF fly-past. The Queen and Prince Philip came ashore, appropriately, at Queen's Pier. After Her Majesty had inspected a Guard of Honour, the formal Welcoming Ceremony followed at the City Hall, broadcast live on television and radio, in the presence of over 1,000 community leaders and dignitaries. In her reply to speeches from the Governor and the acting Senior Member of the Executive Council, Mr Oswald Cheung, the Queen reflected the unique significance of the visit, which followed her historic visit to the People's Republic of China, itself a product of the conclusion in 1984 of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong. She spoke of her affection for Hong Kong and the impression that she had again received of a resourceful and diligent people. She concluded on the theme that her thoughts would always be with the people of Hong Kong. (It was a great disappointment to us all that the Senior Member himself, Sir S Y Chung, who has done so much for Hong Kong, was prevented from being present by ill-health.)
5.
On leaving City Hall, there was a brief wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph, following which Her Majesty and His Royal Highness chatted informally with a group of ex-servicemen. It was symbolic of the development of Hong Kong's system of government since 1975 that the next engagement was an informal reception at the new Legislative Council Building, to meet the members of the Executive and Legislative Councils and their spouses. In 1975 there were 30 members of the Legislature, all appointed and half of them were officials. In 1986 there are 56 members, with half of the unofficials indirectly elected and only 10 official members. On the same day they also met the members of the Urban Council and the Chairmen of the Hong Kong and Kowloon District Boards at a civic lunch at Government House. The following day, it was the turn of the Members of the Regional Council and the Chairmen of the New Territories District Boards at a civic lunch in Sha Tin. Neither the Regional Council nor District Boards existed in 1975: more than two thirds of the members of the latter are indirectly elected.
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