Madeleine Bordallo recalls Queen Elizabeth's visit to Guam

Britain’s longest-reigning monarch died peacefully at Balmoral in Scotland. Queen Elizabeth II was under medical supervision as her doctors were concerned for Her Majesty’s health. Senior members of the Royal Family were by her side.

Many of us here at home woke up to the sudden news of her passing.

The British people and commonwealth nations had been celebrating her platinum jubilee – 70 years on the throne. That time even included a brief visit here to Guam.

"A cherished sovereign and much loved mother". Now-King Charles III shared those words about his mother. The king of the United Kingdom stating her passing is "A moment of the greatest sadness for him and the Royal Family." After seven decades on the throne, the 96-year-old died peacefully with her loved ones by her side.

Scores across the globe including many here in Guam are heartbroken.  Ed Birn, the director of the Guam Department of Administration and a native of England, said, "It’s very, very sad and I’m sure everybody here in Guam will join all the peoples of the Queen's realm and commonwealth on her passing. Her life was dedicated to the service of the crown. She never wavered from that, from the day she became queen to yesterday."

Eight-time congresswoman Madeliene Bordallo told KUAM News, "I felt very sad, because personally I met her, I talked to her, and visited with her when she came to Guam and I found her to be a profoundly friendly person for her status." Bordallo recalled the queen’s trip to the island in 1975, speaking with KUAM News from Washington, DC.

"She wasn’t just a symbol, a queen to preside over certain celebrations, but she grew people together and she was warmed by people of all statuses. And that’s what I liked about her," Bordallo recollected.

Bordallo was Guam's first lady at the time – images with her and the late former governor Ricardo J. Bordallo were captured with the queen and the late Prince Phillip. The historic visit is on display at the Guam Museum.

Bordallo recalled when her husband’s administration got the call from Buckingham Palace. "We were absolutely dumbfounded. We couldn’t imagine the Queen of England visiting our little island," she said.

And, equally, the moment the royals got off the plane at the Guam Airport. "Very gracious, very nice. A big smile and Prince Phillip was right behind her. They were both very kind and very friendly," Bordallo said. "She was very petite in her image. She had a green and blue dress on and a matching turban type hat."

On the way to Government House in Agana Heights, they were greeted by a line of Guam’s schoolchildren holding British and American flags. The queen then took-in the view of the island.

"She was very interested. I gave her a little history and Ricky was going on about the history of Guam. They were just very delightful," said Bordallo.

And in true guam fashion – the queen was also given a taste of local treats. Bordallo remembered, "We just had cookies, some sweets, and I know we had some latiya. That’s about all that I can remember, but it was a very nice visit."

The current administration - Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio - also expressed their deepest condolences, stating "We join the Island of Guam and the United Kingdom in mourning the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, whose service as a revered monarch carved out the modern heart and soul of her country."

KUAM sends our condolences to the Royal Family, as well. She is, and will forever be, truly a queen who will never be forgotten.

Now, you may recall, the British Carrier Strike Group 21 and HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier stopped on Guam twice last year. It was part of Guam’s continued commitment to foster global alliances and support regional exercises that strengthen our national security.