Originally published March 1954
The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh have won the hearts of the people … and mainly because of their clear reaction to formality and their desire to mix freely with people.
The Queen has shown she is happiest when away from the formality which must come with visits of this nature. She has been happier when at the races, watching a sport she thoroughly enjoys.
Sportsman
The Duke like his sport too: but is not so keen on the Sport of Kings. In Sydney he left the races early to attend a cricket match; in Melbourne it was to go to Kooyong to watch tennis.
But while being the keenest sport pans in the history of British Royalty, the Queen and Duke are not merely spectators.
The Queen is a magnificent horsewoman, can sail a boat, cast a running fly when fishing and is a good shot. the Duke plays polo, cricket and rugby football. He swims, shoots and is a great yachtsman.
On English racecourses, the sight of the Queen intently following racehorses through binoculars and then barracking home her fancies with arms waving and feet jigging has become well known.
she has been so enthusiastic at some courses that the authorities have prevented cameramen recording these moments of stress and joy.
Good horses
The Queen owns some good horses, but so far has failed to see one come home the winner of a big race.
The Duke’s sporting prowess began in his school days and he has retained interest in sport since those days.
He plays competition polo in England and has sometimes flown from Scotland to Surrey for a match.
As a cricketer, his enthusiasm has extended to captaining Royal Staff teams in charity matches against the Duke of Norfolk’s team.
He has appeared to the same teams as well-known English Test players like Denis Compton and Alec Bedser. Generally his cricket gives hope for exciting things which so far have not been achieved.
He is a right-arm medium pace bowler of unpredictable accuracy and an orthodox right hand batsman.
Small wonder
It is therefore small wonder that Australians, noted for their love of sport, have taken the Royal Couple into their hearts.
The Queen, a young mother and one who likes the great outdoors, could well fit into the way of life of the average Australian mother. The Duke, a sailor and a sportsman, is not much different from most of the thousands of young men who have cheered him since his arrival in Australia.
Today, only a week before they leave Australia, we see this Royal Couple. We may get only a fleeting glimpse of them, but like others who have experienced only that, we will say “It was well worth while”.
