Queen shares ‘monumental’ throwback photograph taken during devastating year

The Queen has shared a “monumental” throwback photograph taken during a devastating year of her reign and it’s got quite the reaction from fans.  

• Her Majesty has now spent 70 years on the throne and this remarkable milestone is now being celebrated in a very artistic way. 
• For the next 70 days, a different throwback picture is being shared and the latest offering has attracted major attention from fans.  
• This royal news comes as the Queen to honour Strictly star with MBE as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours. 

To mark the extraordinary milestone of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022, the Royal Family have been paying tribute to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch in a very special way. Ahead of the highly-anticipated schedule of events taking place over the bank holiday weekend in June, each day they’ve been sharing an enlightening photograph of the Queen. 

The pictures showcase different significant moments over the last 70 years, from hosting President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy at Buckingham Palace to meeting Major Parkash Singh VC at a Garden Party. Now the Royal Family's latest post has unveiled a nostalgic photo taken back in 1963 and it's certainly captured fans' imaginations...

In the black-and-white image, Her Majesty can be seen during her and the late Duke of Edinburgh’s tour of Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand. Beaming, the Queen is presented with a stunning bouquet by the Fijan Princess, Adi Kaunilotuma. The young royal appears to carefully hand the flowers over to the Queen and opted for a white dress complete with regal crown embroidery for the important occasion. 

“1963: The Queen receives a bouquet of flowers from Fijian Princess, Adi Kaunilotuma, during a visit to the country,” the caption declared, before issuing a poignant reminder that it was that same year that US President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.

Having met the President herself, this was likely a very difficult time for the monarch. In a year filled with immense lows and highs, this choice of photo shows the Queen’s dedication to her royal duties and her commitment to the Commonwealth Nations, which include Fiji. And fans were quick to remark upon the meaningful nature of not only this photo but those still to come in the 70 for 70 series.

“Monumental”, one fan declared simply, as another agreed, writing, “I’m very excited for this series as it transition from black and white photos to full HD colors. Just shows the longevity of Her Majesty’s Great Reign.” 

Meanwhile, another had an intriguing suggestion for the Queen and Royal Collection Trust as they commented, “I am really enjoying these daily posts as they highlight how much history HRH has witnessed and think they would make a wonderful book.”

“Queen looking lovely, and the little girls dress is gorgeous, and so very royal”, someone else wrote excitedly. 

While a fourth person also enjoyed the wonderful regal details in both the Queen and Princess Adi’s outfits, replying, “I love how the little girl has a crown on the side of her dress, and the queen has a bow on the side of her dress. Two beautiful ladies!”

Very sadly, as reported by the Fiji Sun, Princess Adi passed away in 2019 on Boxing Day. After studying nursing, she reportedly went on to work at the Ministry of Health before she became ill. 

The Queen’s throwback photograph is a wonderful way to remember the moment these two inspiring women met all those decades ago.