Bittersweet tribute: A drawing reading ‘Thank You Ma’am, From Hong Kongers’ placed outside the British Consulate in Los Angeles. — AFP
Hong Kong: Many Hong Kongers took to social media to mourn Queen Elizabeth II, a woman affectionately nicknamed “boss lady” among older residents in a city that was one of Britain’s last colonies.
Elizabeth visited Hong Kong twice during her reign, while her son – now King Charles III – was present for the handover to China in 1997.
“My grandmother who raised me always spoke of the ‘boss lady’, I heard about her so much she felt like family... Today it’s like a family member passed away,” Facebook user Vincent Lam wrote.
“It’s the end of an era... Thank you for your lifetime of devotion,” read another post on the Facebook group Hong Kong Reminiscence that garnered nearly 4,000 likes within hours of Elizabeth’s death, news of which broke overnight in the city.
Britain has seen two major waves of Hong Kong immigration in recent decades – the first in the run-up to the handover, and the second over the last two years as China cracks down on political dissent.
Many of those reacting overnight were doing so from their new home.
“She always (has) our highest respect... I’ll miss her,” said Lok Cheung, a popular Hong Kong tech YouTuber who recently emigrated to Britain.
Britain’s colonial record in Hong Kong sparks mixed views in the city.
During colonial times, both Beijing loyalists and Hong Kong democrats campaigned against British control.
Many democracy supporters, however, came to view the British era more favourably once authoritarian China began ratcheting up control of the city.
Small groups even waved colonial flags during huge protests in 2019 that incensed Beijing.
But current Hong Kong leader John Lee struck a conciliatory statement following Elizabeth II’s death.
“She was greatly respected, admired and praised by the British people,” Lee said.
“We send our deepest condolences to the people of the United Kingdom during this time of national mourning and reflection”. — AFP
