It may have been diplomatically impossible for much of his governorship, but Mr Patten could be back in Beijing soon - taking in the sights as a tourist.
He visited the capital in October 1992, when he discussed his proposals for democratic elections with Chinese officials. But his plans drew a barrage of insults and abuse from Beijing, putting paid to hopes of further meetings.
Lavender Patten told the South China Morning Post she had once travelled alone through China on a holiday and aimed to revisit with her husband.
'I'd still like to see the Three Gorges and maybe Guilin, Hangzhou, and Xian, of course,' she said. 'One day.' The couple expect to return to Hong Kong before too long, suggesting November 1999 might be a good time to touch down at Chek Lap Kok.
'We are very, very fond of Hong Kong,' she said.
'We feel very closely involved with what happens here.'
