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Clip description
This clip from a home movie filmed by Australian Prime Minister, Sir Robert Menzies, on 25 February 1954, shows the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh by car outside the Parliament of Victoria. They alight from the car and walk up some stairs on the red carpet past a guard of honour and surrounded by a huge crowd. The clip ends with a close-up of the Royal Standard flag.
Curator’s notes
This clip shows the eager crowds lining the streets to see Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh as they arrive to open the 2nd session of the 39th Parliament of Victoria. It is believed that up to 50,000 people waited to catch a glimpse of Her Majesty. As you can see in this clip, the crowd dressed appropriately in hats and gloves, as recommended in the Royal Visit Manual distributed by the Commonwealth Government of Australia.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were welcomed by the Usher of the Black Rod and, passing a guard of honour, were led into the Legislative Council Chamber were the Queen made a speech to open Parliament.
Sir Robert Menzies edited the footage himself and linked each separate segment that recorded a single event of the royal visit with a close-up of the Royal Standard flag that is seen at the end of this clip.
