Bombay Welcomes King George & Queen Mary, 1911 Photo
A 1911 photograph shows the arrival of King-Emperor George V and Queen Mary at Bombay (Mumbai). The royal couple landed at Apollo Bunder Pier aboard the Royal Ship Medina. They were to attend the grand Delhi Durbar of 1911. Held in honor of King George V’s succession as King-Emperor of India.
King George V and Queen Mary were the first and only reigning British monarchs to set foot on Indian soil during colonial rule. Bombay was the first city on their royal tour of India, and the city’s elite turned out in full force to welcome them. To mark the occasion, a special pavilion was erected at Apollo Bunder, packed with spectators.
Their Majesties can be seen under the pavilion, while a ceremonial parade takes place to the left. In the background, the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and the long-demolished Greens Hotel dominate the skyline. The “strand road” in front of the Taj Mahal Hotel is visibly thronged with crowds. The rooftops and balconies of the Taj Hotel and the Greens Hotel are also filled with onlookers.
Following their grand welcome in Bombay, King George V and Queen Mary continued with their historic tour of India. Visiting Jaipur, Agra, Calcutta (Kolkata), Nepal, and other regions before returning to England. Click photo to enlarge.
See also King George V (1865-1936) and Queen Mary (1867-1953) in Bombay 2 – 2 Dec 1911.
Did you know – a magnificent plaster welcome arch was temporarily erected on their visit. This would pave the way for a permanent commemorative structure on the royal visit to India. Which was the Gateway of India.
From the collection – Raja Ravi Varma’s “Mohini On A Swing” – Vintage Print 1930s., British India Era Shipping Advertisement Postcard 1930s., Old Book – From Lisbon To Calicut 1956.
