item details
Overview
This handkerchief was given to Patricia Chainey when she was about 10 years old, in preparation for the expected royal tour of King George VI in March 1949. The tour was cancelled due to the King's ill health.
The handkerchief represents New Zealand's ongoing connection to Britain and the popularity of the British monarchy in the mid 20th century. Printed on the handkerchief are an array of imagery depicting both scenes in New Zealand, the royal family and their coat of arms, and the New Zealand coat of arms (1911 - 1956).
There was great excitement about the 1949 royal tour because it was to be the first time a reigning monarch had set foot in New Zealand. Previous royal visitors had either been sons or brothers of the monarch - Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh in 1869, Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York in 1901, Prince of Wales in 1920, Duke and Duchess of York in 1927, Duke of Gloucester in 1934-5.
Hopes for a visit by the monarch had been raised including a visit by George VI in 1940, but World War Two prevented it. A shortened tour was planned for May 1952, and when the king again fell ill it was decided Princess Elizabeth would come instead. However, at the first stop on this tour, in Africa, the princess learned of her father's death and she returned home.
The visit of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, in 1953–54 became the first visit by a reigning monarch. It took place after World War Two in which New Zealand had supported Britain. When Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in June 1953, interest in royalty was further heightened. It’s estimated that over 75% of the population went to see them. Patricia Chainey attended in Whanganui when whe was a young girl. It is an event thousands of other New Zealanders fondly remember.
‘The crowds that greeted the royal couple were very large and wildly enthusiastic. The young queen’s first appearance after arriving – in Auckland – met with ‘wave after wave of cheering’ and ‘roars of approval’. People thronged to see her across the country, gathering to wave at her train as it went past tiny country settlements, and waiting for hours in main centres to secure a good viewing position.’ (http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/royal-family/page-2)