The Royal Visit

The year was 1954 and the post World War II baby boom was in full force. The American actress and future Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, won the Oscar for her starring role in "The Country Girl". The Hague Convention for the protection of cultural property in the event of armed conflict convened and the first hydrogen bomb exploded at Bikini Atoll. In the United States a gallon of gas cost $.23 and the average hourly wage was $1.44. It was a year that saw the birth of legendary guitarist, Stevie Ray Vaughn and comedian/actor, Freddie Prinze as well as the death of artists Frida Kahlo and Henri Matisse, scientist, Enrico Fermi, author, Collette, and composer, Charles Ives. History was also made on 3 February 1954 when Australia celebrated its first visit by a reigning monarch when it welcomed Queen Elizabeth II.

It had been nearly two years to the day since the untimely death of George VI and the ascension of his eldest daughter, Elizabeth. Two years since the 25-year-old mother of two took on the responsibilities of monarchy. Now she and her husband, Prince Phillip, were embarking on a comprehensive tour of the Commonwealth of Australia that would end with their departure from Fremantle on 1st April - almost two months from when they started. The royal couple would visit Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia all part of a land described by the Australian News and Information Bureau, Department of the Interior, Canberra as: 'The immense inland, with its opal colourings, its ageless silence, and its painted mountains; the coast and coral islands, and deep-romantic jungles of the far tropical north, the fertile fields, and the glittering snow fields of Kosciusko, the high blue stillness of the mountains where the mighty Murray is born; opals and gold and pearls, and the infinite splendour of sunset on the limitless Nullablor - they will still remain, these rich threads that weave the fabric of such matchless beauty across the face of Australia.'

The most historic event of the trip came on 15th February when Queen Elizabeth II formally opened a session of the Federal Parliament in Canberra. The Federal Parliament building foundation stone was laid by her Uncle David (Edward VIII) when he visited as Prince of Wales. The opening of the building in 1927 was attended by her father, George VI, when he visited Australia as Duke of York. In 1901 her grandfather, George V, then Duke of Cornwall, presided over the first opening of the Federal Parliament. Continuing the Windsor legacy associated with the Commonwealth of Australia's Parliament and this national landmark, Queen Elizabeth became the first reigning monarch to perform its opening ceremonies. Wearing her coronation gown, she delivered a seven-minute speech in which she noted the significant ties of her family (father and grandfather ONLY). Other highlights of her time in the Australian Capital Territory were her visit to the Australian War Memorial where she attended a remembrance ceremony and laid a wreath, the unveiling of the 258 foot shaft that supports the American Bald Eagle erected 'in grateful remembrance' of the assistance of the United States of America during World War II and the presentation of the diamond wattle and tea-tree brooch a gift to the Queen from the Australian people.

Her Majesty and Prince Phillip were kept busy touring factories, visiting agricultural sites, inspecting troops, viewing parades, performing investitures being entertained by schoolchildren, watching boomerang demonstrations, presenting honours and greeting the tens of thousands of Australians who took the time to come out to pay their respects to their Sovereign and her spouse. Prince Phillip had remarked after a trip to India "I'm referred to in that splendid language (Urda) as 'Fella belong Mrs. Queen'". I'm sure he heard plenty of that on this trip too, for clearly, Queen Elizabeth was the star. The Australian News and Information Bureau, Department of the Interior, Canberra, "Men, women and children, statesmen, drovers, clerks and farmers, city dwellers and the people of the lonely outback, all united to do her homage and to bid her welcome, to do it humbly, with pride and thankfulness in possession of such a Sovereign."

The people did come from far and wide in droves to see their Sovereign for though this was the seventh visit a member of the royal family had made to Australia, it was the first time that visitor was the member holding the 'top job'. Queen Elizabeth II took a cue from her mother who it is said believes one should always look and dress the part of a regal Queen even if it was to an audience of one. Her daughter packed an extensive wardrobe of ball gowns for the receptions even wearing her coronation gown during the opening of Parliament. Queen Elizabeth also brought along several tiara's and other beautiful jewels to ensure her audience would have plenty to remember her by even if they only managed to catch a glimpse of her. To her credit, though petite at five feet two, Elizabeth wore her clothes well. The daytime ensembles of suits and dresses remind me of my first Barbie doll as each came complete with matching hat, handbag and gloves.

The two-month visit to the vast land of Australia was a great success for Queen Elizabeth II. She managed to create a wonderful bond during that visit that has obviously left an indelible mark on the Australians as they continue to be part of the Commonwealth of Nations that Queen Elizabeth swore to serve. She has kept her promise to the people and they have kept their loyalty to her by not voting the monarchy out during the recent election. Though the citizens of today's world may not be as enamored with royalty as they once were, they are still captivated with Queen Elizabeth II.

All the best,