User:Underwaterbuffalo/Other/Royal family visits to British Hong Kong


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There were two visits by a reigning British monarch to British Hong Kong (1842-1997), both by Queen Elizabeth II: in May 1975 and in October 1986.

The list of British Royal family visits to British Hong Kong (1842-1997) includes:

Pre-WWII

 * 1869: Alfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Duke of Edinburgh. First member of the British royal family to visit the Crown Colony. (1869年亞爾菲臘王子訪問香港)
 * 1881: Prince Albert and Prince George, future George V.
 * In 1879, after a great deal of discussion between the Queen, the Prince of Wales, their households and the Government, the royal brothers were sent as naval cadets on a three-year world tour aboard HMS Bacchante.
 * Arrived in Hong Kong (on 1881-12-20) from Amoy (left on 1881-12-18), made a visit to Canton, returned to Hong Kong and then left (on 1881-12-31) for Singapore.
 * 1890: Duke of Connaught
 * In 1890, Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn visited Hong Kong, when Francis Fleming, the then acting governor announced a new road to be constructed in front of the old "Bowring Praya" (present day Des Voeux Road ). This newly constructed road was then named Connaught Road, after the prince. A statue of the Duke once also occupied the junction of Pedder Street.
 * 1906: Duke of Connaught
 * On 17th February 1906, the visiting Prince Arthur of Connaught was received at the Ko Shing Theatre by the Chinese community, and the theatre had been transformed into a typically Chinese banquetting hall.
 * 1907: Duke of Connaught
 * According to news reports, the entertainment given by the Chinese community in honour of the visiting Duke and Duchess of Connaught and Princess Patricia on 9th February 1907, took the form of a tea party and theatrical representation at the Ko Shing Theatre.
 * 1922 (April): Prince Edward, Prince of Wales and future Edward VIII.

1940s

 * 1946: Lord Mountbatten
 * Lord Louis Mountbatten, Supreme Allied Commander South East Asia, makes a tour of inspection of Army and Royal Marine Commando units in Hong Kong.

1950s

 * 1952: Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent and her son Prince Edward, Duke of Kent visited Hong Kong from the end of October to November 9th (or between 26th Oct and 1 Nov in 1952).
 * She laid foundation stones, attended dinners, and made visits, and carried out an inspection. She laid the foundation stone of Macpherson Stadium on October 30, 1952
 * Laid stone at Tsan Yuk Hospital at 30 Hospital Road, Sai Ying Pun on on October 28, 1952
 * Laid stone at The Duchess of Kent hall in Hong Kong University (?)
 * 1959: Prince Philip. 2 day visit in March 1959.
 * After his tour of India and Pakistan, Prince Philip embarked at Rangoon for visits to Singapore, Sarawak, North Borneo, Hong Kong, the Solomon Islands, the Gilbert and Ellice Islands and Christmas Island.


 * SCMP article


 * In March 1959, the Duke of Edinburgh came to Hong Kong on a two-day visit, arriving from Singapore on the Royal Yacht Britannia, escorted by both Britain's Royal Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy.


 * On March 6, 1959, the South China Morning Post's headline read: "Colony Awaits The Duke. Princely Welcome Prepared for royal Visitor."


 * On this visit to the then colony, Prince Philip laid the foundation stone at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kowloon. [7 March 1959]


 * "I'm looking forward to laying the foundation stone of the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital," he said in a televised address to Hong Kong. "Of course, I would like to have opened the hospital instead, but I gather there wasn't quite enough time, even at Hong Kong building speeds, to get it up for this occasion," he joked.


 * That same day he also attended a garden party at Government House, the residence of the then Hong Kong Governor Sir Robert Black. Later, in the evening, he attended a Chinese dinner, about which he later remarked that he had "particularly enjoyed renewing my rather limited acquaintance with Chinese food".


 * On March 8, 1959, the Post reported that the duke had boarded a helicopter with the governor at Kai Tak Airport to view the city from the air. "He had to cut the scheduled length of time because he had overstayed at the Technical College at Hung Hom and had to attend a football match later," the report noted.


 * On his way to Kai Tak, he sat in an open-top car that drove down Nathan Road where crowds stood lining the street to wave and get a glimpse of the prince.


 * On March 9, 1959, the Post reported the duke's farewell message to Hong Kong, sent from the royal yacht, which said: "I take away with me a lasting memory of the cheerful kindness and hospitality of the people of Hong Kong."


 * Nevertheless, it was not Prince Philip's first time to Hong Kong, as he recalled on a television broadcast during his visit. He had been in the territory once before in 1945. On March 7, 1959, the Post quoted the duke as saying: "The last time I was here was in 1945, September or October, I think. Admiral Harcourt had arrived only a few weeks before so I saw the place as it emerged from the Japanese occupation.


 * "I remember particularly the evening after the instrument of surrender was signed – the display of fireworks and crackers was magnificent. It was a real pleasure letting them off and I think the people's spirits went up with the rockets. These were the first celebrations of peace I'd taken part in and they made a very deep impression."


 * He returned to Hong Kong on a royal visit with his wife Queen Elizabeth in 1975, and came again on March 24, 1981, on his way back from a trip to Australia. He was greeted at the airport by then Governor Sir Murray MacLehose and acting director of protocol, Lawrence Pottinger.


 * While in Hong Kong he opened The Prince Philip Dental Hospital and paid a private visit to the Queen's Own Highlanders infantry regiment, which was stationed in the territory at the time, and of which he was colonel-in-chief.


 * He visited once more in 1983 as president of the WWF, where he visited the Mai Po Nature Reserve and later unveiled a plaque at the Duke of Edinburgh Training Camp in Tai Po. He came back in the same capacity for the WWF in 1988 and 1990. (He opened the WWF Hong Kong Central Visitor Centre on November 15, 1990. See plaque)


 * In 1991, one of his last visits was to attend an annual forum organised by the Duke of Edinburgh Award International Association.


 * Hong Kong - Duke in the Far East.
 * Victoria, Hong Kong.
 * General view of crowds assembling in the Star Ferry Car Park and on balconies around the area. C/U Chinese boy. L/S of Royal yacht HMY Britannia anchored with the royal barge approaching the Queen's Pier with the Duke of Edinburgh (Prince Philip) on board. The Prince steps onto landing stage from launch and is greeted by the Governor, Sir Robert Black. General view Guard of Honour of three services lined up in Square. The Prince inspects them.
 * Chinese crowds run across roadway to cheer the Duke as he drives away in open car (Statue Square), waving to people. Street scenes (Des Voeux Road Central) showing tram cars and modern buildings. Chinese people look at portrait of Duke in shop window. Chinese children skipping on pavement. Chinese street and shops bedecked with Chinese and British flags, pan to a group of Chinese children (mostly boys) laughing and pulling faces into the camera. Chinese suburb and market. Zoom in to C/U of small Chinese girl with baby slung on her back.
 * General views at night of shops and archway illuminated. Shop front with the Royal insignia and crown illuminated in glass case, also showing portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh. Illuminated shops and signs at night; one reads 'Russian Restaurant'.
 * Exterior of Government House. Crowds of people wander around the grounds. High angle shot of Prince Philip speaking to people in the crowd. Women wearing cheongsam dresses with split skirts. Prince Philip chats to the crowd and points at people, seemingly making a joke.


 * Additional video:
 * Better video:

1960s

 * 1961: Princess Alexandra
 * Visited So Uk Estate (planted a tree) on November 8, Aberdeen, Stanley, the Sea Palace Floating Restaurant, which she reached by sampan, attended a Cantonese opera performance at the Lee Theatre (according to Pathe News, or Astor Theatre according to poster)
 * Hong Kong Welcome to Princess
 * Top shot of Hong Kong and harbour. Junks and fishing boats in harbour. Archway being prepared for the Princess. Waterfront (Central) and downtown streets. Chinese signs. A Chinese woman reads a Western paper South China Morning Post. Chinese people shopping and preparing [street] food. BOAC arrives [at Kai Tak Airport] and is met by Sir Robert Black. He introduces Alexandra to his wife Lady Black. She boards boat and is taken into the harbour. She is taken to Queen's Pier. Chinese women in slit skirts hurry to meet her. Water front scenes and gun salutes as she arrives. Top shot as she drives under the arch. Shots of her waving from the car. Top shot of masses in Statue Square and walking the streets.
 * Princess Sees Hong Kong
 * WS Victoria Harbour. Ext. Government House, the Princess and the Governor walk in the garden. Photographers take pictures. She meets students on the roof of Hong Kong University. Top shot of Kowloon (actually view from Victoria Peak toward Kowloon across the harbour). Long line of official cars drive her to the New Territories, waving Chinese line the route. [A banner reads "S.K.H. St. Christopher's Home (Tai Po) welcomes Princess Alexandra" (see also )] In the small town of San Wai, she is entertained by a regiment of the Gurkha's and children dance for her Nepalese style. She visits Shek Kong and the married quarters of the Gurkha's where she looks at babies. Next stop Pat Heung and the Chinese lion dance and Gong hitting.
 * H.R.H. Sees Hong Kong By Night
 * Mass of street lights in Victoria. The Princess is escorted to the Sea Palace Floating Restaurant. Well lit and reflecting the water. She is hand paddled in a san pan to the restaurant. She walks across a red carpeted bridge to choose fish from the water. CU fish in net. A massive cray Fish is held up. Sir Michael Turner and Sir Sik Nin Chow (?) former Industrialist sit with the Princess for dinner. The "Princess was no stranger to chop sticks". She attends a Chinese Opera at the Lee Theatre. The troop put on a flag waving dance for her.
 * Farewell to Hong Kong
 * WS of boats at The Aberdeen Fish Market. Pathe cameraman Ken Godard films from a junk. The Princess arrives as the Chinese look on in silence. Shots of different junks pass by. She then arrives at Stanley and walks amongst crowds holding British flags. Next day at the Governor's Fanling Lodge She meets officials. WS of the Lok Ma Chau Police Station. She looks at a relief map of the frontier with China. With police Commissioner Heath she looks across open land to China. This is 1 of 12 observation posts on the frontier. She looks across with binoculars. Zoom out from shanty town of So Uk. WS of white high rise new settlements buildings . Objects and food stuff fill the high rise balcony's. The Princess walks down steps past waving crowds. More shots of the new buildings and children playing on a globe climbing frame. Good CU's of Chinese people. The new So Uk North Government Primary School with a mass of children waving UK flags as Alexandra waves back from a balcony.
 * Pictures of Statue Square decorated for Princess Alexandra visit:


 * 1962-1963: Prince Edward, Duke of Kent served in Hong Kong during his military service.
 * 1966: Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon. Arrived on 1 March 1966
 * Passed through Queen's Pier
 * Visited Choi Hung Estate
 * 'Buy British' Royal Boost 1966
 * GV. Princess Margaret addressing gathering at engineering exhibition during British Week in Hong Kong. SV. Princess speaking. SV. Crowd applauding. LV. Princess Margaret leaving stage to walk around. LV. Pan, Princess Margaret walking through exhibition. SV. Cutaway model of Mini, & CU. LV. The Princess Margaret looking at model of town development, & CU. CU. Pan, the model. SV. Pan, Princess Margaret walking through exhibition.
 * GV. Crowd lining street outside the Lee Theatre in Hong Kong. CU. Woman with baby on her back. SV. The front of the theatre with large illuminated sign reading 'Welcome to H.R.H. Princess Margaret & Lord Snowdon'. LV. Pan as the Princess' car arrives. SV. Children applauding wildly, & CU. SV. Pan as Princess Margaret walks up steps into theatre escorted by the Governor. SV. Princess walks into theatre. LV. Group of Chinese girls on steps curtsey. LV. Princess Margaret and her husband Lord Snowdon (Anthony Armstrong Jones) watching the traditional Hong Kong opera. GV. Zoom in to opera performance in progress, & LV. LV. Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon watching. GV. The principal artists come down gangway to meet Princess Margaret. SV. As they stand in front of the Princess Margaret in colourful traditional costumes. LV. Princess Margaret talking to the actors. CU. Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon.
 * Princess Margaret And Lord Snowdon Arrive In Hong Kong (1966)
 * V.S. Shop windows with displays for 'British Week'. V.S. Scenes of Hong Kong Harbour as fireboats send their sprays into the air, guns fire salute from quay (very dark shots). VS WS Princess Margaret inspecting Guard of Honour. VS Princess Margaret's car drives past large crowds. M.V. Sign "Hong Kong" on airport building with people lining the rails. V.S. B.O.A.C. Cunard, Boeing 707 taxiing in. Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon walking down steps and greeted by the Governor Sir David Trench and Lady Trench and other V.I.P.s.
 * Princess Margaret And Lord Snowdon Arrive In Hong Kong AKA Royal Arrival In Hong Kong (1966)
 * LS BOAC Cunard Boeing 707 approaching very low over the city and landing at Hong Kong Airport, good shot. VS Crowds watching. CU Photographers with long lenses. LS and MS Boeing taxiing with the harbour in background. MV Princess Margaret and her husband, Lord Snowdon, walk down steps and are greeted by Sir David and Lady Trench and reception committee. VS Crowd shots at airport. CU Sign: BOAC Cunard on side of plane. MS Double decker bus on Hong Kong streets. MS War memorial pan to street. VS Street decorations around Hong Kong, the letter "M" for Margaret with a crown above it. VS Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon with Sir David and Lady Trench leave a launch at Queens Pier and the Princess receives some flowers from a young girl. VS The Princess inspecting a naval Guard of Honour. VS The Princess and Lord Snowdon are then presented to a long line of V.I.P.s. The Royal party leave by car and arrive at another building where crowds have gathered to greet them.
 * Nairn Road was renamed Princess Margaret Road to commemorate this visit


 * 1967: Princess Alexandra
 * Visited Choi Hung Estate

1970s

 * October 1971: Princess Anne
 * arrived at Queen's Pier on board the government yacht Lady Maurine
 * Visited Junk Bay
 * Pictures:
 * 1972: Princess Alexandra
 * Passed through Queen's Pier
 * Visited the British Industrial Exhibition, Ebenezer School
 * Unveiled a plaque to commemorate the completion of the Cross-Harbour Tunnel (October 21)
 * Attended the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force dinner and ball at the Hilton Hotel
 * 1975 (4–7 May): Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
 * First visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Hong Kong, and the first visit made by a reigning British monarch to the territory.
 * Arrived on the afternoon of 4 May 1975. Departed Hong Kong on the morning of 7 May.
 * They visited:
 * Hong Kong City Hall, Morse Park, the University of Hong Kong, Kwai Chung Container Port
 * Oi Man Estate
 * Hung Hom Station (May 5, commemorative plaque)
 * They watched the first fireworks display since the 1967 riots
 * An exhibition to promote Hong Kong's contribution to world trade called 'Progress Hong Kong.'
 * 1977: Princess Alexandra
 * Opening of the new Hong Kong Polytechnic Library, 7 February 1977
 * Visited Cheung Ching Estate (?)
 * Visited Lek Yuen Estate
 * 1979 (3rd-6th March): Prince Charles. Official visit.

1980s

 * 1980: Princess Alexandra
 * Officiated at the opening ceremony of the MTR full Modified Initial System (from Central Station to Kwun Tong Station) (February 12)
 * 1982: Katharine, Duchess of Kent
 * Laid foundation stone of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (October 28)
 * 1983: Princess Anne
 * Visited Ap Lei Chau Estate
 * 1982: Katharine, Duchess of Kent
 * Official opening of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (February 3)
 * 1986: Princess Alexandra
 * Opened the Police Officers' Club (April 10)
 * 1986 (21–23 October): Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited Hong Kong and China.
 * Two years after the Sino-British Joint Declaration was signed
 * Passed through Queen's Pier
 * Groundbreaking ceremony of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
 * Visited Hong Kong Polytechnic University
 * Visited Jockey Club in Sha Tin
 * 1987: Princess Margaret
 * 1988 (September): Princess Anne
 * Visited a nursery (September 16)
 * Unveiled a plaque at Tuen Mun Ferry Pier Stop (September 17) to commemorate the opening of the terminus
 * 1988 (November): Prince Philip. Visited Island House on November 4, 1988
 * 1989 (8th November-13th November 1989): Official visit of Prince Charles, partly with The Princess of Wales.
 * Passed through Queen's Pier
 * Princess Diana visited a youth branch of the Red Cross on 7th November (?)
 * Princess Diana took an early morning swim in a rooftop swimming pool at the HMS Tamar British Royal Navy's base on 8th November. A paparazzi photographer secreted himself onto the diving board the night before and took exclusive photos of her.
 * Pictures:
 * Video:
 * Unveiled a plaque at Lam Tin Station to commemorate completion of the Eastern Harbour Rail Crossing (November 8)
 * Grand opening of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui, officiated by Charles, Prince of Wales and Princess Diana, who unveiled a commemorative plaque (November 8)
 * Unveiled a sculpture to commemorate the official opening of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (November 9)

1990s

 * 1991 (December): Prince Edward, Duke of Kent attended an environmental conference in Hong Kong, as President of the Engineering Council.
 * 1992 (5th-8th November): Prince Charles and The Princess of Wales
 * 1994 (March): Princess Anne
 * Visited the Prince of Wales Barracks
 * Pictures:
 * 1994 (5th-8th November): Prince Charles
 * Resided at Fanling Lodge during 5 day visit.
 * Visited Wah Kwai Estate and/or Wah Fu Estate (picture)
 * 1995 (April): Diana, Princess of Wales. Private, three-day visit
 * Attended a tennis match at the Hong Kong Open
 * Visited cancer patients at a hospital and then attended a fundraising dinner in aid of victims of leprosy
 * 1997: Princess Anne
 * 1997: Princess Alexandra
 * Visited HMS Peacock on the former Stonecutters Island
 * 1997 (27th-30th June): Prince Charles
 * Represented The Queen at the Hong Kong handover ceremony
 * Stayed on HMY Britannia.
 * HMY Britannia's final role was at the handing over of Hong Kong at the stroke of midnight on 30 June 1997. After the Union Jack was lowered for the last time, Britannia left Hong Kong Harbour carrying the last governor, Chris Patten.