The world’s longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully on the afternoon of 8 September at her corgi-filled estate in Balmoral, Scotland. Guiding the British lands from the steam engine era to the internet age, there is no revolution or piece of history the Queen didn’t get to witness in her all-encompassing life dedicated to bettering the nation. After ascending the throne in 1952, the Queen became the longest-serving monarch in 2015, surpassing the record of Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901.
Prince Philip, who was her partner and “strength and stay” for 73 years, passed away in April 2021 at the age of 99. The Queen visited India several times, the first of which was nearly 15 years after India attained independence from the British Raj. Many notable Indian personalities including Kamal Haasan, Shiamak Davar and Kapil Dev, have had the opportunity to meet the Queen during her reign.
Let’s take a look at some famous Indians who have met the Queen in person
Jawaharlal Nehru
The first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, met with the Queen in official capacity on many occasions. The most memorable visit would be in 1961 during Her Majesty’s very first India tour. The monarch was escorted by Nehru to various destinations in the country, and they even went on a hunt together.
Kamal Haasan
Actor turned politician Kamal Haasan got the opportunity to meet the Queen while attending the UK-India Year of Culture event in March 2017. The grand event was organised to celebrate Britain’s cultural ties to India, and the fanfare took place with a glittering reception at Buckingham Palace. Many high profile guests from the fields of performing arts, fashion, food, literature, sport, entertainment and music were invited to the prestigious gathering.
Kapil Dev
Former cricketer Kapil Dev was also present at the UK-India Year of Culture event in 2017, where he met the Queen and the rest of the royals. Apart from this, Dev, along with his Indian cricket teammates, met with the Queen on several occasions as a tradition before big cricket matches back in the day.
Shiamak Davar
Ace Indian choreographer Shiamak Davar brought his contemporary and jazz vibes to Buckingham Palace in March 2017 at the same event. He even shared a picture from that event on Instagram to honour the Queen’s demise and remember her in prayers. The caption said, “It was an honour and privilege for me to have met Her Majesty and shake hands with the longest reigning Monarch of all time! My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal family. May her soul rest in peace! 🙏🏼.”
Shilpa Shetty
Bollywood actress and 2007 reality TV show Big Brother winner met Queen Elizabeth ll at Westminster Abbey, London at the annual Commonwealth Day Observance in March 2007.
Manish Malhotra
Wishing her majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, a very Happy Birthday. pic.twitter.com/wkEzmQ9WVk
— Manish Malhotra (@ManishMalhotra) June 14, 2021
Top fashion designer Manish Malhotra got the chance to meet the Queen at the same 2017 UK-India cultural event.
Virat Kohli
The Queen met the Indian cricket team’s former captain, Virat Kohli during a meeting with the captains of the cricket teams participating in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace, London in May 2019. This was ahead of the competition’s Opening Party on the Mall.
