Royal Commonwealth Society : Programmes and invitations, 1905-6

Mary, 1867-1953, Queen Consort of George V

Royal Commonwealth Society

<p style='text-align: justify;'>A collection of programmes, invitations, menus, photographs and other material issued in connection with the Royal Visit to India during 1905-1906.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Queen Mary was born at Kensington Palace on 26 May 1867, daughter of Francis, Prince (later Duke) of Teck. She was popularly known as Princess May until her marriage in 1893 to Prince George, Duke of York. During the next twenty years she accompanied her husband on three major Empire tours. On the death of Queen Victoria in January 1901, the Prince of Wales ascended the throne as King Edward VII, and his son George became Duke of Cornwall and York. The Duke and Duchess voyaged on HMS 'Ophir' during March to November 1901, travelling to Australia, New Zealand and Canada, as well as smaller places en route. On his return Prince George was created Prince of Wales. From October 1905 to April 1906 the Prince and Princess visited India and Burma, on HMS 'Renown'. The Princess prepared conscientiously for this undertaking, reading widely, and she found the sub-continent an astounding revelation. The Prince of Wales became King George V on the death of his father in 1910, and decided to return to India for a Coronation Durbar in Delhi as Emperor of India in 1911; the King and Queen left England in November and returned in February 1912. Queen Mary died at Marlborough House on 24 March 1953.</p>