HRH Prince of Wales arriving in Sydney Harbour
Photographer
R E Crombie Studios
Date1920
Object number00046576
NamePostcard
MediumPhotograph on card
DimensionsOverall: 136 x 84 x 1 mm
ClassificationsPosters and postcards
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Macksville and District History Group
DescriptionThis photographic postcard shows the ceremony surrounding the landing of HRH the Prince of Wales in Sydney Harbour 16 June 1920. The image shows sailors and spectators watching the arrival, with various flag ribbons decorating the landing. One of the ships in the background may be the battle cruiser HMS RENOWN which was used by the Prince on the tour.HistoryHRH Prince Edward, the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) was the eldest son of King George V and undertook 16 Royal Tours on behalf of his father to various parts of the British Empire between 1919 and 1935.
The visit of the Prince to Australia in 1920 reaffirmed the ties between Australia and Britain, and conveyed thanks to Britain’s allies for their service and loyalty during World War I.
In Australia the tour started in late May and concluded in mid-July with the Prince visiting every state. Public holidays were declared, receptions and balls held, foundation stones laid, memorials unveiled and thousands of hands shaked.
The Royal Yacht chosen to convey the Prince on this journey was in fact a battle cruiser, HMS RENOWN. In 1927 she also carried the Duke and Duchess of York on their cruise to Australian and New Zealand.SignificanceThis postcard illustrates the excitement surrounding the Royal Visit of the Prince of Wales to Australia in 1920. An important event in the development of Australian nationalism, the visit of the Prince dominated public life and reinforced Australia’s shared destiny with Britain.
