Henry Keswick's Injury Overshadows Hong Kong's Handover Ceremony
- Henry Keswick was the taipan of Jardine Matheson in 1997 during Hong Kong's handover to China.
- During the official parade, he slipped on wet ground and broke his shoulder.
- His injury overshadowed the historic event and captured public attention.
In 1997, Britain returned Hong Kong to China after 156 years of colonial rule, marking a pivotal moment in history. Henry Keswick, then the taipan of Jardine Matheson, was expected to play a crucial role in the ceremonies. Unfortunately, as he watched the official parade in heavy rain, he slipped on the wet ground, resulting in a serious shoulder injury. This incident occurred on a day of significant national importance, bringing unwanted attention to Keswick just as history was being made. Despite typically maintaining a low profile, his accident led to him being rushed to the hospital, shifting the focus away from the monumental celebrations that were taking place. Keswick's injury not only highlighted the unpredictability of such momentous occasions but also underscored the pressures faced by business leaders during transitions in governance.