In this first episode of the second season of the Afternoon Light podcast, Robert Menzies Institute CEO Georgina Downer talks to Dr Jane Connors about the 1954 Royal Tour.

In 1954 Queen Elizabeth II became the first reigning monarch to visit Australia. The Royal Tour was a fascinating cultural phenomenon, mesmerising the entire nation for over a month. It is estimated that three-quarters of Australia’s population came out to see their new Queen, escorted by her husband Prince Phillip. In many respects it was a coming-of-age moment for Australia, where we finally achieved the recognition that we felt we both needed and deserved. For Robert Menzies as Prime Minister it was easily one of his proudest moments.

It is now difficult for us to imagine the emotional pull that the tour had over ordinary Australians. The moment was a unique snapshot in our history, revealing much about us as a people and our place in the world. Analysing it in retrospect helps to shed an important light on the trajectory of Australia’s story, how much we have changed in our outlook and identity, and yet this common thread of constitutional monarchy and respect for Her Majesty which retains some of its lustre 70 years down the track.

Jane Connors is an ABC veteran of over 30 years and is an editorial advisor with the ABC. She has a PhD in Australian History and is the author of Royal Visits to Australia. She is a member of several advisory bodies including the Centre for Media History.