visit from queen elizabeth & prince philip, circa 1953 and mid 1970's
Queen Salote, with his Highness the Sultan of Kelantan heading for Hyde Park Corner at Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in June 1953. There is a story behind the deep friendship between Queen Elizabeth and Queen Salote that started on the very day Queen Elizabeth was crowned. Queen Salote managed to catch the eye of the press on that day because, although it was raining heavily, she refused to put the top on her coach because she wanted her people to be able to see her. She shared the carriage ride with the Sultan of Kelantan. Their carriage was the only one open to the elements. The Sultan got soaked, but for some Devine reason, so legend has it, the Queen managed to stay dry. Queen Elizabeth found Queen Salote’s dedication to her Subjects heartening, and visited in her little royal dingy (okay, perhaps she flew in, but her ship did follow her on her trip around the South Pacific and the world, if my information is correct), the Kingdom of Tonga soon after her coronation to see her new royal friend again and Tonga for the first time. At least this is the story I was told many years ago and I would like to think it is true. One other interesting fact, Queen Salote and Queen Elizabeth II were the only female Monarchs in the Commonwealth and on her visit to Tonga, Queen Elizabeth made Queen Salote a Dame, Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.
Reviewing the Guard.
A royal arrival of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip to the parade grounds.
Her Majesty accepting a bouquet of flowers from a young girl as Queen Solute looks on. To give you a grasp of time, this young girl is about 75 years old as I write this and Queen Elizabeth is still Queen.
I’m not 100% sure if the tortoise that Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip are eyeing in this photo was the actual one presented by the legendary Captain Cook in 1777 to the Royal family, but if it is, it broke the all-time verified record holder for the world’s oldest tortoise, according to Guinness World Records. It’s name was Tu’i Mallila and died in Tonga in 1965, at the estimated age of 189.
Taking a Royal stroll.
Getting ready for the arrival of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in the mid 1970’s during their second visit to the kingdom. Queen Salote College students line both side of the entry ready to welcome the royal couple. I’m digging those white bell bottoms. I don’t have many photos of the 1970’s visit so if you have a couple in you collection please send them off to me.
A cleared photo of Queen Saloti students and others waiting for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
Young students waiting on the Royal route.
In the back ground. Looks like Boy Scouts and three ASA volunteers (Bob Forbes says the middle person is Jen Crawford ) walking by. Names of the others, please.
All in formal gear I am going to throw out a guess that these are Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts waiting for the Queen. Notice the royal guards in the back ground marching in formation which probably is a clear clue that Her Majesty and friends are on the way.
School students and other curious citizens line Vuna road to get a look at Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip as they drive to points unknown.
His Royal Highness, Tupou IV and The Duke of Kent, Prince Edward (Circa 1977)
A semi formal photograph of both royal couples outside the palace on the day they arrived.