On October 12, 1951, Queen Elizabeth made her first Royal Visit to Toronto. 300,000 spectators gave the then Princess Elizabeth, and the Duke of Edinburgh, a tumultuous welcome as they were driven from Malton (now Pearson) Airport to City Hall (now old City Hall). There the Princess was greeted by Mayor Hiram E. McCallum, signed the register, paid her respects to Toronto’s War Dead, and attended a civic reception.

Throughout their two-day visit, the Royal Couple was captured for posterity by Globe and Mail photographers, whose work can now be viewed at the City of Toronto Archives. Here is a small selection of images from recording her visit.

 

Pricess Elizabeth arrives at City Hall
Arrival at City Hall.
October 12, 1951
City of Toronto Archives
Fonds 1266, Item 144891
RCAF members keep crowds back
RCAF members keep the crowds back.
City of Toronto Archives
Fonds 1266, Item 144892

 

Princess Elizabeth and Mayor Hiram McCallum inside City Hall
Mayor McCallum escorts Princess Elizabeth through old City Hall.
City of Toronto Archives
Fonds 1266, Item 144897
Princess Elizabeth and Mayor Hiram McCallum
Photographers document the departure from City Hall.
City of Toronto Archives,
Fonds 1266, Item 144888

 

Princess Elizabeth sign Book of Remembrance
Princess Elizabeth reflects before the Book of Remembrance.
City of Toronto Archives,
Fonds 1266, Item 144898A
Princess Elizabeth at Royal York Hotel
Royalty at the Royal York Hotel
City of Toronto Archives,
Fonds 1266, Item 144899