Recap | The most memorable celebrity visits to Hong Kong? From the Pope and King Charles, to Steve McQueen and Janet Jackson
Discover the stories behind historic visits to Hong Kong by Pope Paul VI, then Prince Charles, Steve McQueen, Janet Jackson, and the cast of hit movie Lord Jim, each leaving their mark on the city
Revisit the South China Morning Post’s coverage of some of the biggest names in show business and royalty to visit Hong Kong. From Pope Paul VI’s historic but short visit in 1970 to Janet Jackson’s electrifying Rhythm Nation tour in 1990 and Prince Charles’ four-day trip in 1979, the Post was there to cover them all.
1. Pope Paul VI’s historic visit to Hong Kong saw him preach to thousands, but he was gone inside 3 hours
In 1970, the Pope’s visit marked a memorable day for the local Catholic community and saw him deliver an open-air Mass at Government Stadium. He left a lasting impression on the city despite the fact he was only here for three hours.
2. Prince Charles’ four-day visit to Hong Kong in 1979 was marked by headlines about the heir’s hair
In March 1979, Prince Charles arrived at Kai Tak airport for a visit to Hong Kong that involved meeting Governor Sir Murray MacLehose, visiting the 2nd King Edward VII’s Own Gurkha Rifles and a trip to a toy-car factory in Kowloon. Despite the official nature of his visit, media attention amusingly focused on his hair, noting a certain resemblance to his father’s.
3. When ‘terribly moody’ Steve McQueen came to Hong Kong to film The Sand Pebbles with 20th Century Fox’s most expensive prop ever
In 1966, Hollywood superstar Steve McQueen arrived in Hong Kong to film sea battle scenes for his movie The Sand Pebbles. At a press conference, McQueen admitted that he found Taiwan, their previous location stop, “very trying” and his wife Neile Adams revealed that he was “terribly moody”.
