On this day in 1953, the Queen launched the Royal Yacht Britannia. Here is a British Movietone report covering the ceremony.
Queen at Dumbarton Castle, crowds gathered outside, Queen approaches gate, sentry challenges her (natural sound). Guard turns out (Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders). Keeper, Major General Telfer-Smollett approaches Queen with key, & offers same. Queen enters castle. Queen & Duke alight from car at Clydebank, walk round inspecting "Britannia". Queen walks to launching platform. "I name this ship "Britannia" etc.". Crowds drown Queen's voice in cheering. Ship slipping & in water. Queen & Duke watch from almost completed ship "Arcadia". Queen walks through dockyard.
At Dumbarton, crowds waited in the rain to see Her Majesty arrive on her visit to the Castle and to witness the ceremony of the Challenge. Another important engagement on Clydebank concerned the new Royal Yacht. Accompanied by the Duke, Her Majesty performed the launching ceremony of the 4,000 ton vessel named "Britannia" whose name was kept secret until the Queen spoke.
Disclaimer: British Movietone is an historical collection. Any views and expressions within either the video or metadata of the collection are reproduced for historical accuracy and do not represent the opinions or editorial policies of the Associated Press.
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#Queen #PrincePhilip #Britannia
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