Summary

Photographer: George Rose, Melbourne.

Two almost identical sepia stereographic views mounted on thick brown card. The images show the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York in an open horse-drawn carriage with the Municipal Arch in the background. The Duke and Duchess were in Australia for the opening of the first Australian Parliament on 9 May 1901.

The opening of the Australian Parliament was an occasion for great celebrations in Melbourne. Ten days of festivities (from 6-16 May) were planned to mark the Federation of the new nation and honour the Royal visitors, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. The city was transformed with decorations - flags, bunting, colourful lights and festive arches - and a series of public events were held, including a military tattoo and several street parades. Unprecedented numbers of people arrived in Melbourne from the rest of Victoria and throughout Australia to take part in the celebrations.

Description of Content

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York in an open horse-drawn carriage with the Municipal Arch in the background. They are accompanied by liveried attendants and an escort of mounted military follows behind. A large crowd lines the roadway to watch the procession. The Municipal Arch is in a classical style, with a Royal crown on top. The street is decorated with classical columns with lamps on top and flags. The Duke and Duchess were in Australia for the opening of the first Australian Parliament on 9 May 1901.

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