Reception To King George V & Queen Mary In Bombay, 1911 print
The print shows the preparation for the proposed visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay. This page is from The Illustrated London News of Dec 2, 1911. A grand reception awaited the Royal couple, the preparation was taking place at the Apollo Bunder, the place where the Gateway of India now stands. Which lies opposite the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel. The makeshift pavilion, arch, and grandstand (arena) are shown in the first and second images.
Thus Bombay was taking all efforts in welcoming the King and Queen to a worthy reception. The Governor of Bombay Presidency was to receive them as soon as they arrived at the city by the Royal Ship “Medina”. The King was expected to give a speech at the reception in Apollo Bunder which was being grandly decked up. Both were then to drive through the city, the streets were to be lined with troops. The itinerary included public receptions, laying of foundation stones, etc during their stay in Bombay.
See post Gateway of India In Mumbai – Old News Photo 1946. Also read The Gateway of India, Mumbai, by George Wittet (1878-1926).
Did you know- the Monarchs visited the Delhi Durbar in 1911 they were the only British Monarchs to visit India in all the years of British rule.
From the collection- 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal Art Abstract (#11)., Esplanade & Madras Christian College, Old Photo 1877., Madras Water Supply Red Hills Lake – Old Postcard 1907., Old Photo – Darjeeling Himalayan Railway 1890
