Originally published March 26, 1954
“THE greatest day in the history of the north west” happened on March 1954, when Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip arrived in Mildura.
An estimated 80,000 people turned out to get a glimpse of the royal couple.
“Never before has Sunraysia seen such a crowd and never before has there been such excitement on such a large scale,” Sunraysia Daily reported.
An estimated 200 people fainted as they waited for the Royal parade with the largest crowds at Mildura (40,000), Red Cliffs (33,000) and the Mildura Airport (5000).
A large number of people had attended Henderson Park where the royal couple were expected to mingle with those gathered, however, in a last-minute change of plan, the car conveying the couple drove slowly through the park and continued along Deakin Avenue for official duties.
Crowds four deep lined Deakin Avenue to Eighth Street where a floral carpet led to a dais where the Queen and Duke were sounded by thousands of well-wishers.
Also surrounding the visitors were bunches of grapes and vine leaves which were woven through lattice covering the dais.
Once the royal couple had departed, hordes of people swarmed the official area salvaging the grapes until police brought them under control.
Earlier, the Queen told the gathering she appreciated the reception the community had offered.
“I am greatly touched by your assurances of loyalty and devotion and by your kindly reference to our family,” she said.
“We have read and heard so much about your city that we were very glad when we leant that we should be able to visit it.
“We shall have long and happy memories of everything which has taken place here today, and your future wellbeing will always have a place near to our hearts.”
The Queen and Duke then travelled to Red Cliffs’ Quandong Park for formal proceedings, after briefly visiting the fruit block of Cr Nat Barclay.
A crowd of 33,000 gave the couple a “tumultuous welcome” as their vehicle was driven around the oval before the Duke’s address.
“The Queen has asked me to thank you for the warmth of the reception you have all given us,” Prince Philip said.
“We are particularly touched by the generous present of dried fruits produced in this district, and we shall be delighted to arrange for its distribution in the United Kingdom when we get back.
“We have been looking forward to this visit to Red Cliffs because we have heard quite a lot about the settlement here of ex-servicemen from the First World War.
“The idea was a good one, but its success depended entirely upon your hard work and endurance.
“As was only to be expected, you brought with you that same spirit of comradeship and courage and ingenuity which was, and still is, such a strong feature in Australian fighting men.
“You have the world’s admiration for what you did in the war and you have Australia’s admiration for the way you have developed this district.”
After 2 1/2 hours, the whirlwind visit was over, 20 years after the city’s last Royal visit by the Duke of Gloucester, and almost 30 years before her own son Prince Charles would follow suit.
