PM Transcripts

F79/ 3
FOR PRESS 14 JANUARY, 1979
ROYAL VISIT
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, whose visit to Australia
was announced last year, will arrive in Canberra on 2 February.
The duke, who is Grand Prior of the Most Venerable Order of the
Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, will visit St John National
Headquarters in Canberra, and State Headquarters in Hobart,
Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney. He will officially open new
premises in Adelaide and Melbourne.
The Duke of Gloucester lived in Australia from. 1945 to 1947 when
his father, the late Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester: served a
term as Governor-General of Australia.
In February/ March 1963 he spent several weeks privately in Australia.
While in Tasmania the Duke and Duchess will attend the Hobart Cup
at Elwick Racecourse. The Duke will present the Cup to the
winnning owner and the Duchess the trophy for the Duke and
Duchess of Glouicester Stakes.
While in Victoria the Duke and Duchess will visit Sale and
Longford, inspecting the shore-based installations associated
with the Bass Stait gas/ oil production.
During the visit to New South Wales the Royal couple will inspect
the Jenolan Caves, staying overnight at Caves House, returning by
train from Blackheath to Sydney the following morning.
It is appropriate in this, the International Year of the Child,
that in a7di-on to visiting schools, the Duchess will visit a numbher
of children's organistations including the Regency Park Centre
for Physically Handicapped Children in Adelaide, and the Koomarri
Sheltered Workshop in the A. C. T.
The itinerary for the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester is as follows:
Friday 2 to Wednesday 7 Feb. Canberra
Wednesday 7 to Friday 9 Tasmania
Friday 9 to Monday 12 South Australia
Monday 12 to Thursday 15 Victoria
Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 New South Wales