75th Anniversary of Royal Family Visit to South Africa Day 61

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 Day 61: 1st April 1947

Programme

Royal Family leave for Johannesburg by car from Pretoria

Visit to the opening of the Rand Agricultural Show

Civic reception in City Hall

Drive though the streets of Johannesburg

Turffontein race course for the Kings Cup

Afternoon reception at City Hall

From balcony at City Hall a parade by war veterans

State Banquet for King & Queen followed by Fireworks

Dinner party for Princesses and ball afterwards

Return to Pretoria for overnight stay

The City of Johannesburg was not a provincial capital and possessed no great official residence which could be used to house the Royal Party hence the return to Government House in Pretoria. This was a 30 mile journey and it gave the Royal Family a chance to see local residents before reaching the city. Also on their return at Dusk there was a lovely sunset. The Royal train moved up to Johannesburg to provide accommodation for the entourage.

Postal covers dated the 1st April 1947 they show the Southern Rhodesia stamps issued on the 1st April but the Royal family do not arrive in Southern Rhodesia until the 7th April 1947.


Introduction to Johannesburg


Some pictures from magazines etc 










HMS Vanguard

The Captain wrote in his diary "that the ship entered Durban at 14.15 and berthed alongside. The usual round of jollity commenced. I attended a Cocktail Party given by the South African Naval Reserve followed by Navy Week dance given to 70 Officers at the City Hall. "




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