https://www.nfsa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-02/Colour%20TV%20Mega%20Menu%203%20TVs_1000x745%20px.jpg
Menzies RG: Our Coronation Tour - Naval review at Spithead
Title:
Menzies RG: Our Coronation Tour - Naval review at Spithead
NFSA ID
5208
Year
1953
This clip from a home movie, filmed by Australian Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies, begins with the intertitle 'H.M.A.S. Sydney’. Sailors stand on the top deck of a submarine as it cruises past the camera. An intertitle introduces ‘The Royal Yacht’ as it motors past. Summary by Elizabeth Taggart-Speers.
A naval review is often held at Spithead, Hampshire, for special occasions such as jubilees, visiting dignitaries or, as in this case, coronation. This home movie, filmed by Australia’s longest serving Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies, captures the monarch reviewing its fleet.
Menzies RG: Our Coronation Tour synopsis
This home movie filmed by the Australian Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Robert G Menzies, records the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the official ceremonies and parades associated with the event.
Menzies RG: Our Coronation Tour curator's notes
Shot on 16mm colour film, this home movie filmed by Australia’s longest serving Prime Minister, Sir Robert Menzies, on 2 June 1953 is a significant historical record that captures the official ceremonies for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. It begins with an official welcome. Sir Robert captures prominent leaders including the Queen of Tonga and The Prime Minister of Canada.
Heather Henderson, the daughter of Sir Robert Menzies, revealed in an interview for The Canberra Files, that although Menzies shot most of his home movies, much of the Coronation Service was filmed by his secretary while he was outside the Abbey.
Notes by Elizabeth Taggart-Speers
The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia acknowledges Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live and gives respect to their Elders both past and present.