1954

The visit of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh to Australia in 1954 was a historical moment in both Australian and Bondi history. This tour was the first time a reigning monarch had ever toured Australia, much to the excitement of the commonwealth, State and Bondi especially, who were given the privilege of hosting an event.

When the Duke and Queen arrived in Sydney on the 1st of February, they had received a tremendous Australian welcome. This excitement was still palpable when the pair visited Bondi on the 6th of February. Waverley Council engaged Surf Life Saving Australia to present a surf carnival as their royal event, and with royals, onlookers and world press in attendance, it was to be the day when the Queen experienced a true Australian event. The surf carnival was supposed to begin with a lifeguard parade before life savers would brave the waves to demonstrate their skills. The carnival was organised by local identities Vic Besemo, the Mayor Carl Jeppesen, and the President of the Bondi Bathers at the time, Tom Meagher.

However, the royal reaction to something so Australian as sun-kissed men in bathing suits greeting royalty made Waverley Council apprehensive, but neither royal appeared upset. It seems the Duke, who laughed and gestured whenever something amusing happened in the surf races, pillow fights, or running races, especially had a wonderful time. The Queen, corgis in tow, did too. While it was hot, she toured the beach, and although getting a shoe filled with sand, appeared unflustered either by weather or setting. The two enjoyed themselves so much that they purposely stayed three-quarters of an hour longer than scheduled.

When they left the event was deemed a success; with British press later describing it with words like "novel," "fun," among others.

Courtesy the Waverley Library Local Studies Collection, Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club, North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club and Nine Fairfax Media.