Historical information

This flag is a memento produced for Princess Alexandra of Kent's visit to Wodonga in 1959.
Princess Alexandra visited Australia as the representative of Queen Elizabeth II for the Queensland Centenary Celebrations. Her six-week visit began with her arrival in Canberra on 14th August and she departed from Canberra on 26th September. Time spent in Australia included three weeks in Queensland. Her Royal Highness' visits to New South Wales and Victoria were comparatively brief and informal. In New South Wales she made two country visits including to Albury and a night spent at Bungowannah Park near Jindera.
Her visit to Victoria began in Wodonga where she officially opened the Pollard Archway over the Causeway. She received an enthusiastic welcome as she approached the Archway accompanied by a motorcycle escort.

As Princess Alexander stepped forward to take the scissors from a red plush case, her Lady-in-Waiting, Lady Moyra Hamilton, tugged at the Princess' sleeve, whispered, and gave her a coin. The Princess handed the coin (a halfpenny) to the Wodonga Shire President, Cr J. S. Hore, saying: "I must give you this, otherwise it might be unlucky." The halfpenny "gift" stems from an old English superstition that a "sharp" gift such as a knife or scissors must be dulled with copper or else a friendship will be lost.

After cutting the ribbon and declaring the Pollard Arch, named in honour of Councillor Charles Pollard M.B.E., she was presented with a bouquet by 10-year-old Leslie McLeod. Princess Alexandra, led by a pipe band was driven along the Hume Highway and High Street which were lined by thousands of people including school children. After a short trip along High Street and Elgin Street to the Railway Station she departed from protocol to speak to the many children who had crossed the barricade. Princess Alexandra then boarded the Royal Train for her journey to Melbourne.

Significance

This item is significant because it represents the visit to Wodonga of Princess Alexandra in 1959.

Physical description

A small purple flag with gold lettering and a symbol of the Pollard Arch in Wodonga. It is triangular in shape and attached to a thin wooden stick.

Inscriptions & markings

Royal Tour
Princess Alexandra
Wodonga September 1959