Historical information

This medallion was presented to the Punt Road State School pupils who attended the laying of the Alfred Hospital Foundation Stone Ceremony. Prince Alfred returned to Melbourne to lay the Foundation stone for the new Alfred Hospital on March 6, 1869.

Significance

Australia's first Royal Tour in 1867-8, was undertaken by Prince Alfred, second son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Alfred was a Naval Captain, and in Command of the HMS Galatea. On March 12, 1868 Prince Alfred was shot and wounded at a picnic in his honour in Sydney. As a consequence, buildings throughout the colonies were named in honour of the Prince: the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney and the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne which was then in the early stages of planning. The Prince was invited to lay the Alfred's foundation stone and in 1869 he again sailed the HMS Galatea to Melbourne for the event.

Physical description

A round, metal medallion, inscribed on both sides; the obverse shows Prince Alfred in profile with edge detail, the reverse features HMS Galatea under sail.

Inscriptions & markings

The medal on the obverse side shows the profile of the Duke of Edinburgh.
Inscribed around his profile is H.R.H. Duke of Edinburgh, with floral decoration around the edge.
The reverse side shows the sailing ship the HMS Galatea.
Inscribed around the edge is: 'TO COMMEMORATE THE VISIT OF HRH PRINCE ALFRED, DUKE OF EDINBURGH K.G.'