King George & Queen Mary Parade In Bombay – 2 PCs 1911
Two 1911 postcards of King George V & Queen Mary’s procession in Bombay (Mumbai). These are from a series of postcards brought out when King George V and Queen Mary visited British India in 1911 for the Delhi Durbar. One of the postcards has a lovely narrative written in pen by a person who probably was at this procession (see image).
The royal couple first landed at Bombay harbour on their royal ship “Medina”. Since the opening of the Suez Canal, they did have to take the circuitous route through the Cape of Good Hope. With a very busy schedule. Apparently, there was a huge crowd turnout, to witness this impressive once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.
The Bombay Presidency seemed to have organized grand processions for the royal couple by the look of it. Which included a magnificent display by the mounted troops, fancy festoonings, exhibiting the British Union Jack flags, etc. There were ceremonies not only on their arrival but there were also farewell ceremony before they departed to England.
Did you know- George V was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India, from 1910 until his death in 1936. His wife Queen Mary was the queen until his death in 1936, she died in 1953.
From the collection- Vintage Raja Ravi Varma “Shivaji” Oleograph Print., Calcutta High Court British India Era – Old Photo 1880., Lord Kitchener of British Indian Army, 1909 Print., Fiat Trucks For British India Military, 1915 Postcard.
