Royal Affair

Feverish preparations for Queen Elizabeth II's royal visit to New Plymouth gripped the city on 8 January 1954. Travelling by train from Whanganui that day, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were due to stay overnight at the now demolished Criterion Hotel. This photograph shows Charles and Silvia Acheson putting the final touches on a lavishly decorated table in the Criterion's dining room. The two large menu cards feature a photograph of Pukekura Park, showcasing one of New Plymouth's great attractions to the Royal party. The photograph is from a series of nine photographs that document the Queen's visit.