Very Important Visitors :) As we all know, Brisbane has begun to welcome thousands of delegates for the G20 summit. The upcoming visit of United States President Barack Obama to the University of Queensland reminded me of the excitement expressed by MBC girls during the visit of Princess Alexandra to that very same place in 1959! “The long awaited day of Princess Alexandra’s visit to the University showed promise of excellent weather. We were all excited as we were well aware of the arrangements made for us to obtain the best possible view of the Princess in the University grounds. We all waited in great expectation until 10:30 a.m. when the royal progress finally came into view. As the royal car moved towards the main entrance to the University, rousing cheers escaped the throats of the excited crowd. As the radiant princess stepped from the car and ascended the steps we all rushed forward, keeping the patrolling policemen very busy. For many of the girls this was their first glimpse of the smiling Alexandra. After a friendly wave to the crowd, she, together with the official party moved into the campus, where the University students and graduates saw and heard her present her final important speech in Brisbane. We listened to the broadcast of this speech on portable radios, thoughtfully remembered by some of the girls. It was at the close of the official speeches that she was given her Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws and after leaving the building by the back entrance returned to the front once more in the royal car. It was as she was ascending the steps that she stopped to speak to us, asking some of the girls personal questions. Cameras flashed! the result of which was seen in the Courier-Mail the next morning. After this brief interview she again entered the University to inspect the interior and informally chat with some of the University staff. She left the building half an hour behind schedule and as she drove along the University drive, lined by Moreton Bay students, was given the loudest reception of the morning. These were our final glimpses of the entrancing Princess.” Images: Princess Alexandra visiting The University of Queensland in 1959, surrounded by admiring MBC girls :)
Posted on: Thu, 13 Nov 2014 06:00:00 +0000