A BRADFORD man has recalled the "biggest moment in his life" - an unusual conversation he had with the Queen upon meeting her in person in 2007.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth visited Bradford in 2007 and one of her duties was to officially open the Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple on Leeds Road.

Rajeev Dewedi, a senior partner at Shenward chartered accountants in Cleckheaton, said "My colleagues and acquaintances have great memories and it was a privilege to be Queen’s audience in 2007.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Rajeev DewediRajeev Dewedi (Image: Rajeev Dewedi)

"She officially opened our temple," said Mr Dewedi. "It felt very strange to have a Queen standing next to me.

"I will never forget that moment for the rest of my life.

"We talked about the strong smell of fresh paint, and she just smiled in acknowledgment.

"I was in charge of finance at the temple, and we had spent weeks getting the temple ready for her visit.

"After a new coat of paint, we wanted to keep the windows open all night before her visit. But her security service insisted we keep them shut.

"While she was intrigued why we didn't have a high priest to officially open our temple, we only ever wanted our Head of State to open it. She was our Queen.

"To her everybody is equal. That's what we loved about her.

"That's also why we're so sad. It's like losing a member of the family.

"She played a big role in everybody's lives."

Mr Dewedi, who is a senior partner at Shenward chartered accountants and business advisors in Cleckheaton, said: "Today was so quiet in the office. Most everyone was wearing black out of respect for our Queen.

Mr Dewedi paid tribute to the Queen, saying: "Please accept our heartfelt condolences for the passing away of the Queen.

"While her era passes away, we will be the last generation for a long time to sing ‘God Save the Queen’.

"I hope our nation in the years to come also warms up to our King.

"May his leadership give assurance to our generation of a continued strong monarchy."