´óÏó´«Ã½

A month after her coronation, Elizabeth came to Northern Ireland for the first time as Queen. She was once again accompanied by her husband, Prince Philip. In stark contrast to the tight security of later visits, a pamphlet entitled ‘Programme of the Royal Progress’ was published containing every detail of the glamorous royal couple’s itinerary.

Cheering crowds greeted them, with many lining the railway track from Lisburn to Lisahally (near Londonderry) as a special Royal Train transported the couple through the Ulster countryside and along the scenic north coast. The Governor of Northern Ireland, Lord Wakehurst, declared a public holiday so that as many people as possible could see the new monarch. Their visit also took in Hillsborough, Belfast, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine and Derry.