Scrapbook, 'The Royal Scrap Book'

This scrapbook is about the British Royal Family in the 1950s, and was compiled by Cathryn Riley of Wellington. She was 10 years old when Queen Elizabeth II visited New Zealand in 1953-54. The event was momentous, being the first time a reigning monarch had visited New Zealand.

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 compiled detailed scrapbooks devoted to the Royal Visit and to the Royal Family. 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.'