Scrapbook, 'The Coronation Royal Visit'

This scrapbook was compiled by 10-year-old Cathryn Riley for the Royal Tour of Queen Elizabeth II to New Zealand in 1953-54. The event was momentous, being the first time a reigning monarch had visited New Zealand. The tour attracted massive crowds.

Cathryn was invited to see the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh at a special Children's Function at Athletic Park on 12 January 1954. She kept this detailed scrapbook with tickets, newspaper cuttings and other ephemera from the Royal Visit. She recalled in 2022: 'I'll always remember the excitement as small children when the Queen circumnavigated Athletic Park in an open vehicle for children to witness her visit. A fine day, and many excited children probably not altogether 'connecting' the intensity at the time. We all enjoyed the day enormously.'