THE PRINCE of Wales proved himself a dab hand at pidgin English this week as he charmed the locals in Papua New Guinea by giving a speech in the local argot.
Prince Charles, on an official state visit with wife Camilla, introduced himself to the crowd in the capital Port Moresby, as the “nambawan pikinini biltong miss kwin” – the number one child belonging to Mrs Queen.
Charles and Camilla were visiting the South Pacific island as part of their Diamond Jubilee tour of the Pacific, and began their day at an open air church service at the Sir John Guise Stadium.
Prayers were said for the Queen – who is Papua New Guinea’s head of state – and Charles presented new colours to the Royal Pacific Islands Regiment.
He then addressed a crowd of thousands, speaking in one of Papua New Guinea’s 800 languages, Pidgin English: “Mi bringim bikpela tok hamamas bilong mejesti kwin Papua Niugini na olgeta haus lain bilong mi lon dispela taim bilong Diamon Jubili misis kwin. Mi tokpisin olrite?”
His words translated as: “I bring you greetings from Her Majesty the Queen of Papua New Guinea and from all my family members during this celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of the Queen. Was my Pisin correct?
