As thousands wait in line for hours to pay their last respects to Queen Elizabeth, a few San Diegans remember the weekend in February of 1983 when the Queen and Prince Philip visited San Diego.
February 27 was the day after months of planning. To attend the service, tickets had to go to members of St. Paul’s. I was able to survive. I did not need a ticket because my father was the head of St. Paul’s.
There had been months of anticipation. The people went through a metal detector and were seated. The news choppers were the first thing that came to my mind. I was excited to say the least. I had no idea I was there.
The Queen and Prince Philip, along with Secret Service and lots of staff were pulling up to the church when the sound of the helicopter grew closer.
The place was electric. The Queen was escorted into the church by my dad. There were no cameras allowed in the building. It was done in a split second.
The young member of St. Paul’s gave the Queen a bouquet. They got into the limo.
They waited until the Scottish dancers were done.
My father was interviewed by a reporter.
Dad said that an enormous amount of preparation went into the project.
He was happy and relieved. He was asked if he would preach a sermon to the Queen.
Dad said he fantasized about preaching in St. Paul’s Cathedral London but this was better.
There are reminders of that day in the cathedral. John Will said that they try to retain elements that were important.
There is a special area in the archives devoted to the Queen’s visit.
He said that there was a prayer service and a number of photographs in the place.
There is a picture of the Queen. There is a person inside the church.
There used to be pews but now there are chairs. It was draped in black on Friday and that gives you an idea of what it is. The plaque commemorates where Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip sat on that day.
A reminder is found back outside.
There is a plaque on the north wall of the church that commemorates her visit, and the courtyard on the 5th Avenue side was renamed after her.
There are pictures of the Queen in the hallway of my family home. There is a picture that is very valuable.
A signed picture of the Queen and Prince Philip was given to us after the visit.