On 16th July 1964 it was announced by the Prime Minister’s Office in Canberra that Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent would make a visit to Australia, the ‘main purpose’ was to visit the British Exhibition in Sydney. The typed two-page official communique noted that this was the Princess’ first visit to Australia and ‘many would remember the sorrowful circumstances which prevented her being in Australia with her late husband, the Duke of Kent, who, before his tragic death on Active Service had accepted a term of appointment as Australia’s Governor-General.’ The visit, which the Canberra Times observed was ‘planned for informality’ and ‘to allow as many people as possible’ to see the royal visitor, commenced with several days of engagements in Canberra. It was emphasised that this was a ‘royal visit’ and not a ‘royal tour’ which was in keeping with current federal government policy, and the Prime Minister would acknowledge to his cabinet: ‘we have been aiming at short and limited Royal visits so that they may be more frequent.’
For good measure, a few days prior to the Princess’ arrival, a new ‘portrait study’ of Marina, by the English society photographer Cecil Beaton, was released. The Princess’ visit was all the more anticipated as rumours abounded that her daughter Princess Alexandra, who had enjoyed a very successful visit in 1959, was to become Australia’s next Governor-General. The rumour was unfounded.
Marina did not arrive unprepared. She had often spoken to Princess Alexandra about her five-week tour in August/September 1959 and her impressions of the country and people. Sir Robert Menzies, the Australian Prime Minister, had also recently dined with Marina at Kensington Palace to discuss the prospective visit. Marina had often met Sir Robert during his frequent visits to London over the years. According to Marina’s biographer, Stella King, the Princess also studied books that she and the late Duke had consulted together, as he prepared to take up his post as Governor-General in 1939, in addition to some speeches he had already drafted.
Marina’s schedule was initially neither taxing or ‘informal’ but doubtless gave the Princess time to recover from any residual “jetlag” (Her Royal Highness had travelled from London to Sydney in the Qantas Boeing 707 City of Adelaide with a brief stopover in San Francisco). Her subsequent arrival at R.A.A.F. Fairbairn, Canberra at 9.30am on 26 September was covered by Australian television in what was hailed in the local press as ‘the biggest national television link which has ever originated from the city.’ The event was enlivened by a 21-gun salute which certainly made an impression on the waiting officials (including the Governor-General) and the crowd of around 1,000 onlookers. The Royal Military College Band were also on parade. All were delighted when the Princess, dressed in a cherry red ensemble, made time to speak to many of those gathered and informed them, “What a beautiful morning it is. I can’t believe I’m here at last.” The Princess brought with her an entourage of ten including her Private Secretary Sir Philip Hay and Lady-in-Waiting Patricia Heaton. In the afternoon, a press conference was held at Yarralumla, the Governor-General, Viscount De L’Isle’s official residence in Canberra. The press reported that the Princess ‘smoked a cigarette and drank a glass of bitter lemon’ during the proceedings. Otherwise, it was a day clear of engagements which gave Marina time to familiarise herself with Government House, as Yarralumla was often referred to. The experience proved rather poignant (as would much of the tour) as she observed the blue satin-covered sofas, the silk tweed curtains, the Grecian rugs and the quality bed linen chosen by her husband, the late Prince George, in anticipation of his assuming the Governor-General’s position in November 1939. Indeed, preparations had been so far advanced that the Duke of Kent had ordered a new Rolls-Royce with which to undertake his Vice-Regal duties and a Private Secretary, Sir Eric Mieville had been appointed. However, following the outbreak of war with Germany, in September 1939, the Australian government were informed by Prince George himself that he and Marina had been forced to ‘abandon our intentions of coming out to Australia next month.’ From his reply, it is clear the Prime Minister (the then not yet ennobled Mr Robert Menzies) had viewed this as merely a ‘postponement’ of these plans.
But returning to Marina’s current visit: On the first full day of the visit-27 September-the Princess attended Sunday Divine Service at the Church of St John the Baptist. A Greek woman, Mrs. Jones (who was married to an Englishman) stepped forward from amongst the onlookers who lined the avenue outside the church (estimated at some 200 people) and said in Greek: “Welcome to Australia.” A couple, Mr and Mrs Xago, also conversed in Greek with the Princess (who complimented them on their “lovely boy”). The Xago’s were touched by her words and returned the compliment by praising Marina’s command of Greek after such a long absence from her homeland. In the evening, the Princess dined with, Sir Robert Menzies and his wife Pattie, at the Prime Minister’s official residence The Lodge.
The following day, the tempo increased somewhat: Princess Marina paid a visit to the Australian War Memorial to lay a wreath on the Stone of Remembrance and view the Roll of Honour. Her Royal Highness also undertook a brief drive through the ‘commercial centre’ of this city (which was actually more of a large country town of 70,000 inhabitants) where she was greeted en route at Vernon Circle by schoolchildren lining the route. However, her brief journey to her next engagement (the opening of the impressive new Defence Headquarters complex at Russell Hill) was somewhat delayed when high winds blew a piece of iron sheeting into the air close-by the royal limousine. This caused the chauffeur to swerve suddenly in order to try and avoid it. Unfortunately, the sheeting hit against the car and dented one of the doors. Marina was somewhat shaken by the incident but unhurt. Unbelievably, no sooner had the Princess arrived at the Defence Headquarters than a long piece of wooden facing, with nails still embedded in it, became dislodged from the dais canopy and tumbled to the ground just yards from where she and the official party were seated. Unperturbed (Marina’s sang-froid was duly noted) the royal guest carried on with her speech in her own unhurried style. She observed that “While we pray for peace and goodwill on this earth, we are conscious of the need for steadfastness and preparedness in a world beset by friction and conflicts.” The widowed Princess then chose to be more candid, “Twenty-six years ago my husband and I were preparing to come and live amongst you-but God willed it otherwise. But for the tragedy of war [Prince George was subsequently killed in an air accident in 1942 while on active duty with the R.A.F.]-a tragedy shared by so many Australian families-we would have become intimately familiar with this vast country and its people. My husband’s appointment as Governor-General in 1938 was a moment of great joy to us both.” Princess Marina also mentioned that she found it hard to express all she felt “in what will ever be for me a deeply memorable occasion”, adding that it had been a “privilege” to be present at such a ceremony in the changing and expanding Australian capital.
In the afternoon, the Princess received Heads of the various diplomatic missions in Canberra and presided over a garden party attended by 3,500 guests at Yarralumla. The Australian press were impressed by what they described as Marina’s ‘lively interest in people’ as well as her ‘engaging manner’. The fashion commentators were in raptures over her lace-appliqued silk champagne coloured outfit offset by a hat of marabou feathers and accessorised with a massive emerald and diamond brooch. Yet the Canberra Times seemed rather unsure of the Princess’ royal pedigree and wrongly described her as ‘the daughter of King Constantine of Greece.’ Actually, she was the youngest daughter of the late King Constantine I’s younger brother, Prince Nicholas of Greece and Denmark.
On 29 September, Marina paid a visit to the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (W.R.A.N.S) at H.M.A.S. Harman, a communications hub where she observed operatives handling messages to naval ships off-shore. Marina was an Honorary Commandant of the Australian organisation. This engagement was much more the Princess’ “cup of tea”, for she had long held historical links with the “sister” organisation in Great Britain [the Women’s Royal Naval Service or W.R.N.S.] and currently served as the Chief Commandant. The W.R.A.N.S was formed at Harman in 1941 and the base was very much regarded as the “home” of the organisation. Before departing, Her Royal Highness inspected the W.R.A.N.S living quarters (Alexandra House) which had been opened by Princess Alexandra, during her 1959 royal tour. Thereafter, Princess Marina lunched with Commonwealth High Commissioners at Yarralumla and attended an evening reception for parliamentarians in the King’s Hall of Parliament House.
On 30 September the Princess flew in the afternoon from Canberra to Sydney, landing at Mascot Airport at 3.30 pm prompt in a R.A.A.F. Corvair. After inspecting the Guard of Honour mounted by the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, Marina also made sure to acknowledge the presence of the regimental mascot Shetland pony Septimus. From the airport Her Royal Highness drove straight to Government House and a brief visit with the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Eric Woodward. The Princess and her entourage were to stay across the harbour in the much more informal setting of Kiribilli House. Once again the fashion writers were soon busy commenting on Marina’s brocade suit and pillbox hat in a matching fabric, as she arrived for her first engagement at Sydney Town Hall, to meet 800 ‘city parliamentarians and dignitaries’. The Lord Mayor, Alderman Jensen, who greeted Her Royal Highness on arrival, seemed captivated by the royal visitor, as did the assembled crowds. Prior to entering the Town Hall, Marina made time to speak to a group of elderly people whom she noticed behind police barricades near the Town Hall entrance, before walking across George Street to greet the large crowd assembled there. This informal approach (for this was the era before “royal walkabouts”) was much commented upon. Later, the Princess entranced the waiting dignitaries inside, as she spent an hour progressing seamlessly from one group to another and ‘charming them with a mixture of down-to-earth talk.’
The following day, Princess Marina paid a four-hour visit to the British Exhibition. The objectives of the Exhibition (which complimented a “British Fortnight” currently being held in local stores and shops), was to demonstrate and strengthen the close ties which existed between Australia and Britain. After being greeted by Sir Peter Runge, the Chairman of the Exhibition, the Princess toured the Manufacturer’s Hall. Naturally, her visit caused much attention from the public. However, the press noted that despite officials panicking (and at one stage even threatening to close the exhibition during the royal visit) Her Royal Highness ‘resolutely refused to let a jostling crowd worry her.’ Instead, Marina ‘delighted the crowd with her off-beat charm,’ as she examined a pair of tables valued at £24,000 on the antiques stand of a local department store, Grace Brothers. Marina was also entranced by a Pye “manipulator” (a contraption with metal claws) which she learned could apply make-up to a lady’s face. For good measure, the Princess watched closely as the “manipulator” performed its magic, her face a study in concentration. Marina also found time to fuss over an infant who was determined to ‘see the Princess’. She also made the day of one elderly lady who asked if she would mind being photographed. Marina smiled and said “Of course not.” The only complaint came from the Princess’ security detail who said she was ‘very hard to keep track of.’ Marina’s tiring day ended with a “private” dinner given by the State Governor at Government House. However, a quick glance at the guest list reveals that her fellow diners were none other than an assorted group of local “worthies” including politicians (such as the Premier of New South Wales); members of the clergy (led by the Archbishop of Sydney); as well as the judiciary (the Chief Justice heading this section).
On the morning of 2 October, Princess Marina presided over another important event: the opening of the new Gladesville Bridge, a six-lane bridge over Sydney’s Paramatta River. This was to replace an earlier structure from the Victorian era. The new bridge had an arch span of 1000 feet and a total length of some 1901 feet and cost £4.5million. The impressive structure linked the suburbs of Gladesville and Drummoyne. Two thousand official guests had been invited to the opening. A Guard of Honour was provided by 100 girls from the Riverside Girls’ College. Her Royal Highness not only made sure to acknowledge their presence, but made time to have a brief chat. The Princess was then greeted by the State Premier of New South Wales, Mr Renshaw and the Minister for Highways, Mr Hills. Marina was soon beckoning both of them to pull their chairs nearer to hers, the better to speak to them about the project. After making a speech, in which she praised the project as a excellent example of Australian-British partnership (the bridge was designed by a British company, Reed and Mallik) the Princess ‘snipped the ribbon with a flourish’ and declared the bridge open. She then drove over in the official limousine, stopping at the highest point to admire the view with Mr Renshaw and Mr Hill, who pointed out the old bridge below. A war widow herself, the Princess later met a group of 1000 war widows at a reception held at Sydney’s Trocadero Restaurant. Some had travelled by air to be present at the event. The press stated that the widows gave Marina ‘the most enthusiastic reception’ of her visit so far. This was unsurprising given that the Princess was the first Patron (appointed in 1948) of the The Australian War Widows Guild of Australia. This particular event had been organised by the New South Wales Guild.
As the visit progressed the positive plaudits continued. The Princess was ‘so charming, so interested in all she sees’ gushed the Canberra Times. A British Pathe reporter added that Marina ‘has really captured the hearts of the people of Sydney.’ Meanwhile, Marina attended the running of the Australian Jockey Club Derby at Randwick racecourse on 3 October, driving down the track in an open-topped Rolls-Royce to the delight of the 52,000 racegoers in attendance. A smaller crowd of onlookers then provided her with an informal Guard of Honour as she walked the 200 yards from her car to the Members’ Stand. The horse which won was aptly named Royal Sovereign. The prize money was an impressive (for 1964!) £7,000. Princess Marina also presented a special gold British Exhibition Cup to the winner’s owners, Mr and Mrs Angini. The Princess subsequently paid a weekend visit to the Warragamba Dam, staying at a local cottage and enjoying some relaxation as she walked through the nearby trails. She also attended Sunday morning service at the local St Paul’s Anglican Church and was pictured shaking hands with the church warden, Mr Harry Huddlestone.
Back in Sydney, Her Royal Highness attended the Anglo-Australian Tattoo at the Showground. She wore an evening dress for the occasion and it was observed that her diamond tiara and earrings sparkled as she arrived at the venue. On her final day of engagements in Sydney, 6 October, Her Royal Highness visited the New South Wales Art Gallery. She confided to the President of the Board of Trustees, Mr Eric Landker, that she painted in watercolours. The Princess also admitted that she was “not particularly attracted to abstract art”, preferring impressionism instead. However, she was keen to see some Australian artists and praised the work of William Dobell as “very strong” art. Marina was subsequently presented with a book of his works, signed by the artist himself. After visiting the gallery, Marina ventured to the up-market David Jones department store nearby to view a selection of British products on display as part of their British Fortnight event. This visit was unscheduled, but her foray into the ladies’ fashion department was widely reported in the press. The Princess then paid her second scheduled visit to the British Exhibition at the Showground. In the evening, some koala bears were brought especially from Taronga Park Zoo to Kiribilli House so that Marina could examine this marsupial in the flesh. Her schedule meant there had been no previous opportunity for Her Royal Highness to view a koala in its natural environment.
The following morning, the Princess travelled in the Governor-General’s rail car (which was attached to the rear of the South Coast Daylight Express) some 50 miles southwards to the coastal town of Wollongong, where she toured the large Australian Iron and Steel Works at Port Kembla. This final engagement proved quite a contrast with anything else Her Royal Highness had previously encountered during her visit.
The Princess departed Australia on the morning of 8 October. A crowd of 500 gathered at Mascot Airport to watch as she was given an official farewell by a naval Guard of Honour. Again the press were impressed that Marina took time to stop and speak to several of the naval ratings. They also admired the way she made a point of thanking her chauffeur for his services as she left the official limousine. As during much of the tour, the wind proved somewhat troublesome and the Princess was required to lean against the gusts as she stood on a dais during the Royal Salute. And then after kissing some of the official party (including the Prime Minister’s wife, Dame Pattie Menzies, to whom Marina had earlier given a gift of a pair of silver sugar shakers) the Princess made her way to the waiting Boeing 707 for her journey homewards via Malaysia, where she was to be the guest of the British High Commissioner, Lord Head and his wife. This stay was ‘unofficial’ according to the Canberra Times.
The Princess arrived back in Britain on 12 October to be greeted at the airport by Princess Alexandra and her husband Angus Ogilvy accompanied by Marina’s daughter-in-law, Katherine, the Duchess of Kent.
Documents in Canberra reveal that the tour cost a total of £40,050. Unsurprisingly, given the distances involved, £23,000 of this was allocated to the hiring of aircraft for travelling to, from and within Australia. Such costs came as no surprise, as the canny Australians had estimated these well in advance, even to the point of, for comparative purposes, reviewing details of the costs associated with the visits of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in 1963, and the Duke’s 1962 solo visit. Furthermore, nothing had been left to chance (Marina’s Private Secretary, Sir Philip Hay, a war veteran, was a stickler for detail) down to a list of ‘car door openers’ in the archives and the provision of daily weather forecasts.
Sadly, Princess Marina would die less than four years later and she was never to return to Australia. Yet her solo visit had succeeded in endearing her to the Australian people. It would also be no exaggeration to say that Prince George’s widow found a special comfort in making this trip to a land he would have served so well.
For reference: The Prime Minister’s Official tour announcement (P.M. No. 54/1964) can be found at https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/original/00000961.pdf
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