Queen Elizabeth II visits Fiji exhibition in Norwich

Queen Elizabeth II visits Fiji exhibition in Norwich

By Naveel Krishant
Sunday 29/01/2017
Queen Elizabeth II visited an exhibition about Fiji in the English town of Norwich. (Photo: dailymail.co.uk)

On what was her first public engagement of the year, the Queen Elizabeth II visited an exhibition about Fiji in the English town of Norwich, where she watched a performance by a Fijian choir and unveiled a plaque.

The Queen reminisced about her six visits to the island nation as she was greeted by Fiji's High Commissioner, Jitoko Tikolevu, who showed his respect by performing a traditional welcome.

After shaking her hand, he knelt down on one knee and clapped his hand three times.

Tikolevu explained that it is  a sign of respect for the Royal Family only, insisting that many Fijians still regarded her as their Queen even though the country became a republic in 1987.

Queen Elizabeth II arrived at the Sainsbury Centre at the University of East Anglia also  greeted by Fijian warriors and the sounds of traditional drumming, she was shown around Fiji: Art and Life in the Pacific, which aims to highlight the country’s art and culture since the 18th century with displays of sculptures, ceramics, weapons and clothing.

The exhibition also features footage of the Queen being given a whale tooth in Fiji in 1953.

It also included a traditional sailing canoe built for her 90th birthday celebrations at Windsor and mementos from her visits to the South Pacific nation.

She was presented with a box containing a photo album depicting her visits to Fiji and the exhibition.

Before she left she met Fijian students studying at the university and was treated to a traditional farewell song from the choir.

Fiji High Commissioner to Great Britian Jitoko Tikolevu says it was a song that the Queen knew well.

Fiji: Art and Life in the Pacific' is the largest and most comprehensive exhibition about Fiji ever assembled in the UK, including over 280 objects and works of art on loan from museums across the UK and from the Fiji Museum.

FEATURE NEWS
LATEST NEWS
Tanoa Hotel Group and NZ students plant 600 mangroves at Taiperia, Lautoka
To combat the ongoing effects of climate change and the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the Tanoa Hotel Group and 16 ...
72 days ago

Ovalau family to celebrate Easter reminiscing the hard work and dedication of their late son
The Boleilovoni family will have a celebration this Easter at their home in Lovoni Village, Ovalau, celebrating their late son Joseph Rymell ...
72 days ago

Expect a rainy Easter weekend as a flash flood alert and heavy rain warning in force for Fiji
People need to be prepared for a wet Easter weekend as a flash flood alert is still in force for all low-lying and flash flood-prone areas of Viti ...
72 days ago

Flash flood alert for Viti Levu and Vanua Levu
Please be prepared as a flash flood alert is now in force for all low lying and flash flood prone areas of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. A heavy rain ...
73 days ago

U.S Ambassador calls out China on trying to undermine its bilateral relationship with Fiji
It's puzzling that any country purporting to be a friend to Fiji would try to publicly undermine Fiji’s bilateral relationship with one of its ...
73 days ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Top Interventional Cardiologist Dr Kapadia on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show will focus on health services in the country. The former Marist Brothers Primary and High School student who has been practising medicine ...
83 days ago

Supervisor of Elections on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The interview focus on preparations for the 2026 general elections, voter related issues, electoral laws, the 2022 glitch and the municipal council ...
83 days ago

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson appeared on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan from the Drua base in Nadi. Coming off ...
87 days ago

TOP