Al, Fi, me and a couple of more friends snuck into the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club Handover party and celebrated in fine style until the wee hours!

HMS Chatham was in Hong Kong to participate in the handover ceremony.

The weather gods weren't kind as it was a wet miserable night...

Hong Kong residents were fearful of what was in stall once the handover back to China was complete. Aspects of media and freedom of speech, as well as the rule of law and governance over Hong Kong were the areas of particular sensitivity. Below, the Hong Kong Garrison Peoples Liberation Army soldiers amassed in Shenzhen China on 30 June 1997 waiting to enter Hong Kong at midnight.