photograph
Artwork
Accession Number
987.020.001Description
A black and white photograph depicting uniformed men standing and walking at Craigdarroch's south veranda steps, bush in foreground, HRH Prince of Wales in naval uniform at top of steps, two red ensign draped and his crest above, several women looking down from the balcony overhead, the inscription on verso.Narrative
This photograph depicts HRH Prince of Wales in naval uniform at the top of Craigdarroch's south verandah stairs on September 25, 1919 when he officially opened Craigdarroch Military Hospital.On the morning of the visit, Joan Crescent was closed to traffic. Shortly before the Prince arrived in his open limousine, returned soldiers assembled on the driveway and formed a line on each side of his intended path. The royal car arrived at 10:30 a.m., but contrary to plans, the Prince stepped out of it and onto Joan Crescent. He walked onto Craigdarroch’s grounds through the newly made concrete gates and under an archway of purple and white bunting, laurel leaves, and fir branches surmounted by his royal crest.
As he walked with his staff along the north driveway and toward the Castle`s south side, he was crisply saluted by numerous Highland sentries. Hundreds stood cheering and waving as he appeared before the assembled crowd. At the south side, he climbed the Castle’s broad granite steps onto the south verandah before passing through the west garden entrance and into the building.
