Summary

Photographer: George Rose, Melbourne.

Two almost identical sepia stereographic views mounted on thick brown card. The images show the Royal Carriage, carrying the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, passing through the Municipal Arch on Princes Bridge, Melbourne, May 1901. The Duke and Duchess visited Australia to open the first Federal 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 Royal Carriage, carrying the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, passing through the Municipal Arch on Princes Bridge, Melbourne, May 1901. The Royal party are seated in an open horse-drawn carriage. They are esorted by mounted military officers in plumed helmets. A large crowd is gathered to watch the procession and many are waving their hats in the air. The Duke and Duchess visited Australia to open the first Federal Parliament on 9 May 1901.

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