Princess Elizabeth in Ottawa, 1951

Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh arrived in the City of Ottawa during their extensive Tour of Canada on this day in 1951, different phases of which we are individually covering over the next few weeks. Following a busy Summer, with the Opening of the Festival of Britain, the Danish State Visit, the Norwegian State Visit, the Tour of Canada was the first sign of Princess Elizabeth and the Duke, who had given up his Naval Careerbecoming full-time working Royals in the last few months of King George VI’s life, ahead of her Accession to the Throne. 

Princess Elizabeth in Quebec

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Upon arrival in the Canadian Capital of Ottawa, Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh planted a maple tree in the garden of Rideau Hall, before visiting the House of Commons, and attending a Civic Reception at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa. The couple also visited the Ottawa Public Archives.

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In the evening, Governor General Lord Alexander and the Viceregal Consort hosted a Banquet in honour of Princess Elizabeth (wearing the Nizam of Hyderabad Tiara, Greville Ruby and Diamond Floral Bandeau Necklace and the Order of the Garter) and the Duke of Edinburgh at Rideau Hall, where they met Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent.

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The Governor General Lord Alexander and Lady Alexander also hosted a Square Dance in honour of Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh at Rideau Hall, which provided some of the most iconic images of the Tour.

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