Karen Glazebrook: Townsville woman remembers Queen Elizabeth with mother’s treasured photo

A Townsville woman was just 20 years old when she captured a memory of Queen Elizabeth that would last two lifetimes. Now her daughter has paid tribute to Her Majesty.

Lillian Jones was just 20 years old when she captured a memory of Queen Elizabeth that would last two lifetimes.

She was a young woman working in the Kodak shop on Flinders Street in Townsville, who, with a camera clutched in her hands stepped onto the packed street to catch a glimpse of the late Queen.

Lillian’s daughter, Karen Glazebrook, would find the photo years later and has kept it as a memento since.

Lillian Jones always treasured this image of the Queen, captured during her 1954 visit to Townsville.

“My mother absolutely loved the Queen, she adored her,” Ms Glazebrook said.

“They were both young and she could relate to having children in the ‘50s. When I heard that the Queen had passed away this morning, I thought about that photograph I’d found and thought it would be lovely to share with people.”

The photo — of a smiling Queen Elizabeth passing by a crowd of schoolchildren in front of what is now The Brewery — has suprisingly held up well.

Karen Glazebrook's mother Lillian Jones took a photograph of the Queen during her 1954 visit. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“It’s a lovely, very clear photograph. You can see the Brewery, or the post office as it was at the time in the background,” Ms Glazebrook said.

“I remember she told me once about the fanfare because all the streets were lined with schoolchildren. To have the head of our commonwealth come to this little place, way back when, it was something she’d always treasure.

“You keep all these photos hidden away that you hold close, but it wasn’t until after she passed away that I came across it.”

While Ms Glazebrook’s mother has also now passed on, the photograph, which Ms Glazebrook discovered while sifting through wedding and baby photos, still reminds her of both women.

“It brought back all those memories and just made me think of how sad it is. I couldn’t help but think how lovely it would be to have my mother still around today and to share in that sadness, but also to reflect on all the wonderful years the Queen lived.

“I wish she’d been here today to have a cup of tea with me and toast the Queen.”

Originally published as Karen Glazebrook: Townsville woman remembers Queen Elizabeth with mother’s treasured photo