The recent visit of Prince William and Catherine generated much excitement throughout Canada. Because William is the son of Diana, Princess of Wales, some of the affection that Canadian felt for his mother has descended on his shoulders.
Today, most people have forgotten that the first real super-star of the royal family was William’s grandmother Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Her tour, with King George VI, was the first time that a ruling monarch had visited Canada. Their reception in Toronto was one of the greatest triumphs of the 1939 tour.
Toronto Reference Library Archives
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in Toronto in 1939
City of Toronto Archives, James Salmon Collection, Fonds 1231, Fl 231, Item 2075
The reception at Toronto’s City Hall for the King and Queen
Toronto Reference Library Archives
Simpson’s Store, at the southwest corner of Bay and Yonge streets, adorned for the royal visit. The Bay occupies the sight today.
The royal tour of 1939 is detailed in Doug’s novel “Arse Over Teakettle”