Historical information

In 1927, the Duke and Duchess of York (1895-1952), later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (1900-2002), the Queen Mother, embarked on a Royal Tour of Australia and New Zealand. A key purpose of the tour was to open the provisional Parliament House in Canberra, but it also served as a gesture of gratitude for Australia's contributions during World War 1.
Although not originally scheduled to visit locations outside of Melbourne, the Duke and Duchess made time in their itinerary to visit Bendigo during their trip to Australia in 1927. They arrived on April 28th via train where an enthusiastic crowd of over 5000 people watched as the Royal Couple were driven from the station to the Upper Reserve. (Queen Elizabeth Oval) A special arch “THE GATE TO THE GOLDEN NORTH “was erected to welcome the Royal Couple.

Physical description

Brown card mount with four cut windows to house black and white photographic portraits. Only three of the four photographs in place with top photograph missing. Handwritten text under each window and lower centre of mount. Frame missing.

Inscriptions & markings

The Town Clerk / Mr H.C. Ingleton
The Mayor / Cr J. A. Michelsen
The Mayoress / Mrs J. A. Michelsen
To Commemorate The Visit of / Their Royal Highnesses , The . Duke and Duchesss of York / To Bendigo. April 28th 1927 / Presented by the Mayor 1926 - 1927