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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”.

4. The time Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation tour rolled into town as she fought to step out from the shadow of her brother
In 1990, Jackson electrified Hong Kong with her Rhythm Nation tour, delivering three unforgettable performances at the Hong Kong Coliseum which proved a resounding triumph. In an interview with the Post she revealed she was hoping to carve her own path in the music industry and not be seen as “Michael Jackson’s kid sister, Janet”.
5. When Peter O’Toole, Jack Hawkins and director Richard Brooks were in Hong Kong to film Lord Jim
Shooting the film adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s novel Lord Jim with stars O’Toole and Hawkins was to take about six weeks and use Hong Kong extras in locations such as the harbour and the Supreme Court building. The South China Morning Post offered a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes action involved in the making of director Richard Brooks’ movie.
Part of this article was produced with the assistance of generative AI


Hong Kong’s HK$690 million Central Library opens in Causeway Bay in 2001 – SCMP archive

Hong Kong’s iconic Bank of China Tower opens in 1990 – SCMP archive

In 2021, China becomes the third country to safely land a rover on Mars – SCMP archive

Cathay Pacific debuts on Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 1986 – SCMP archive

From our archives

The most memorable celebrity visits to Hong Kong? From the Pope and King Charles, to Steve McQueen and Janet Jackson

Pope Paul VI waves to followers as he arrives for a mass at the Hong Kong Stadium, in 1970. Photo: SCMP Archives

Janet Jackson, performing at the Hong Kong Coliseum in 1990. Photo: SCMP Archives

Stephen Hawking, Serena Williams, Queen Elizabeth ... and more Hong Kong star visitors

When Stephen Hawking visited Hong Kong to give a lecture in 2006, he was mobbed at Hong Kong International Airport like a rock star. Photo: SCMP


Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip wave as they step out from their aircraft on arrival at Kai Tak Airport, in 1975. Photo: SCMP

When legends played Hong Kong, from David Bowie and Whitney Houston to Duran Duran

David Bowie arriving at Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong, in 1983. Photo: Sam Chan

Sammy Davis Jr on his way to his press conference in Hong Kong, in 1970. Photo: SCMP Archives

Hong Kong’s star-studded past, from The Beatles and Muhammad Ali, to Judy Garland, Mother Teresa and Pavarotti

Paul McCartney, George Harrison, John Lennon and Jimmie Nicol (standing in for an unwell Ringo Starr) wave to fans as they arrive at Kai Tak airport in Hong Kong, in 1964. Photo: Information Services Department

Mother Teresa visits the Shun Lei Tsuen Helping Hand Centre for the elderly. Photo: SCMP Archives

When Hong Kong lost Cantopop superstar Anita Mui

Hong Kong Cantopop singer and actress Anita Mui wore a wedding gown at one of her last concerts in Hong Kong in November 2003. She died the following month on December 30. Photo: Reuters

Cantopop star Anita Mui called a press conference to address rumours about her health. Credit: SCMP Archives

Anita Mui Yim-fong in a still from the film Au Revoir, Mon Amour (1991). Photo: Golden Harvest 

When a blackmail plot ended in the murder of an Australian tourist in Hong Kong

Graham Edwards (right) was founded guilty of murdering Australian scientist Dr Ronald Alan Coombe. Photo: E. Cheng

Graham Edwards being escorted by policemen after the trial. Photo: Benson Lo

News report from December 2, 1970, on an Australian tourist from Singapore found murdered in his hotel suite. Photo: SCMP Archives

Graham Edwards was convicted of murder and sentenced to 15 years in prison on November 23, 1972. Photo: SCMP Archives

PostMag

Culture

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


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.


1. .css-jfmysa{display:inline;word-break:break-word;}.css-1ankfgb{cursor:pointer;display:inline;word-break:break-word;}Pope Paul VI’s historic visit to Hong Kong saw him preach to thousands, but he was gone inside 3 hours

1. Pope Paul VI’s historic visit to Hong Kong saw him preach to thousands, but he was gone inside 3 hours