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.

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Toronto Reference Library Archives

             King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in Toronto in 1939

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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

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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

              

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