In a heartwarming gathering at Buckingham Palace, young literary talents from across the Commonwealth were celebrated for their remarkable achievements in this year’s Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition.
The event was graced by the presence of Her Majesty the Queen, who took a moment to commend the participants and share her admiration for their creativity and passion for writing.
The ceremony kicked off with warm greetings, as attendees exchanged pleasantries and expressed their excitement.
Among the standout winners was a senior contestant from Croatia, whose remarkable skills left an indelible impression on everyone present.
“Congratulations!
Your talent is absolutely brilliant,” the Queen remarked, clearly moved by the exceptional work showcased by the young writers.
Among the junior winners, Erin Liu from Malaysia stood out, accompanied by her proud mother.
When asked about her writing journey, Erin revealed that she had been crafting stories since she was just four years old.
“Four?
You kept going since then?”
the Queen asked, genuinely impressed.
Erin’s determination and talent shone brightly, making her a true inspiration for her peers.
The event also featured Victor, a young boy from Uganda, who captivated the audience with his incredible story.
Despite being a newcomer, Victor’s enthusiasm and creativity resonated with everyone.
“You’re from Uganda?
That’s so impressive!”
the Queen exclaimed, encouraging him to continue pursuing his passion for writing.
As the Queen shared her experiences traveling through the Commonwealth, she reminisced about her recent visit to Australia.
She drew parallels between the young writers and Pamela Travers, the author of Mary Poppins, who once journeyed from Sydney to London.
“Like each of you here, she loved to write,” the Queen noted, highlighting the importance of nurturing one’s creativity.
The Queen proudly acknowledged the record-breaking participation in this year’s competition, which attracted over 35,000 entries from 54 Commonwealth countries.
“It’s truly remarkable to see such enthusiasm for writing from all corners of the Commonwealth,” she said, emphasizing the unity and diversity represented in the submissions.
In a touching moment, Her Majesty referenced a cherished book from 1934 that belonged to her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
This connection to literary history underscored the significance of storytelling and its enduring impact across generations.
The Queen quoted P.L.
Travers, who once stated that a writer is only half of a book, with the reader completing the experience.
“A good piece of writing stirs up the reader and makes them part of the story,” she explained, praising the finalists for their ability to engage and inspire their audiences.
As the ceremony progressed, the Queen expressed her admiration for the young writers, stating, “You invite us to share your concerns and passions, eloquently expressing the power of our Commonwealth.”
Her words resonated deeply with the finalists, reinforcing the importance of their voices in shaping the future.
With a lighthearted tone, the Queen playfully referred to Mary Poppins, suggesting that she might be urging her to move along with the prize-giving.
“There’s just one word to describe you all,” she said, seeking a bit of help to articulate her feelings.
“You are utterly supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!”
The room erupted in laughter and applause, celebrating the joy of creativity.
Finally, the moment arrived for the junior winner, Erin Liu, to step forward and accept her well-deserved recognition.
The Queen’s encouragement and heartfelt congratulations highlighted the significance of this achievement, not only for Erin but for all young writers aspiring to share their stories with the world.
As the event concluded, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and pride, leaving everyone inspired by the incredible talent displayed.
The gathering at Buckingham Palace was not just a celebration of writing; it was a testament to the power of storytelling and the bright future that lies ahead for these young authors.
