Africa's 1979 Royal Tour

In July 1979, the late Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by Prince Philip and nineteen year old Prince Andrew (yet to be disgraced) visited Tanzania, Malawi ,and  Botswana, culminating in attending the CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting) in Zambia.

By this time we had had eighteen months to ‘rescue’ the brewery, which was now operating at full blast and was profitable. We had also taken on responsibility for Marakanelo Hotels, the Botswana Government’s Hotel business. So we were in good odour with the Botswana authorities and Diana and I were invited to the official banquet in honour of the Royal party.

Botswana was not well equipped with fancy five star hotels, so the banquet was held in the local Holiday Inn, which was the best that could be managed.

Diana and I were seated at a table with a number of Botswana Government Ministers and their wives. Diana had great fun explaining to the wives which cutlery to use and in what order. As always the ministers and their wives just made the whole exercise fun and we had plenty of laughs.

The Royal party were literally just a few feet away up on a raised dais.

Oxford educated Sir Seretse Khama, the first President of Independent Botswana, made a short amusing speech detailing the original contacts that had been made by his Great Grandfather to Queen Victoria and the British Government, which had basically ensured Botswana (Bechuanaland as it was then) became a British Protectorate. At the time there were possible dangers  to the west and east. In the west and south west, Africa was a German Colony. And to the east, the  trek-Boers had established The Transvaal republic.  The Khama’s also persuaded Cecil Rhodes to build a railway through  Bechuanaland, from  the British controlled Cape to what became Rhodesia. This also ensured further security for the country.

Queen Elizabeth graciously replied in kind.

The short visit to Botswana was a relief for the royal party, with its relative informality and humour. This compared to tedious very long speeches from the leaders and Governments of Tanzania and Malawi which had preceded the Botswana visit. 

The 1979  CHOGM was widely regarded a diplomatic success, as much as anything due to the Queens attendance.