Unveiling a memorial site and the NTFL grand final match was the agenda of the Queen’s 1977 visit

A rare glimpse into what it was like to have the Queen grace the Top End during the 1977 royal visit to Australia. See who you recognise in the massive crowds who flocked to greet her.

Floss Adams

less than 2 min read

September 11, 2022 - 5:30AM

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Northern Territory

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The 1977 Royal Visit to Australia kept Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip busy for more than three weeks.

The Queen and the prince toured various locations across the country such as Canberra, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane and of course, Darwin – on Saturday March 26.

Arriving by plane, the tightly packed schedule started with the Royal pair attending the NTFL grand final between St Mary’s Football Club and Waratah Football Club at Gardens Oval.

This was then followed by the unveiling of the plaque commemorating the lives lost during Cyclone Tracy.

At the end of their day in Darwin, the pair boarded the HMY Britannia and continued on their Tour of Australia – the next stop was Fremantle.

See the gallery pictures below of their time in Darwin in 1977.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip greeted by the former Administrator of the Northern Territory John England. NT News staff photographer.

Former Administrator of the Northern Territory John England escorts Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Picture: NT News staff photographer.

Territorians get their chance to be in proximity of Her Royal Majesty during her 1977 visit. Picture: NT News staff photographer.

The Queen visits Darwin with the former Lord Mayor Dr Ella Stack to unveil the memorial to the victims of Cyclone Tracy at the Civic Centre in March 1977.

The Queen unveils the memorial plaque at the Civic Centre with the former Lord Mayor Dr Ella Stack in March 1977. The memorial commemorates the lives lost in Cyclone Tracy.

Families lines the streets to catch a glimpse of their Royal Majesty. The Queen is pictured with Former Administrator of the Northern Territory John England.