Queen Elizabeth's U.S. Visits
Harold Evans witnesses Her Majesty’s trip to New York City today, the queen’s seventh visit to America during her six-decade reign. From White House state dinners to a tour of Yosemite, VIEW OUR GALLERY of her past jaunts across the pond.
Hank Walker / Time Life Pictures / Getty Images,Hank Walker.
On her first trip to the States during her reign, Queen Elizabeth II took part in a thoroughly American activity: watching college football. While attending this Maryland-North Carolina game, Her Majesty famously asked Maryland's governor: "Where do you get all those enormous players?" His response? "Your majesty, that's a very embarrassing question." The queen is pictured here, sitting in the first row of the stands.
Hank Walker / Time Life Pictures / Getty Images
The queen made her first official trip to the Big Apple when she was 31 years old—and like her visit Tuesday, it was brief, lasting only one day. She's pictured here passing between the Royal Canadian Navy and the Seventh Regiment national guardsmen, arriving at the last of the day's planned events: a gala hosted by the associated commonwealth societies of New York, held at the regiment's armory on Park Avenue and 67th Street.
AP Photo
Elizabeth II, resplendent in a satin evening dress and emerald and diamond tiara, enters the Grand Ballroom of Hilton Hotel in Chicago on July 6, 1959, for a banquet by Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, left.
Edward Kitch / AP Photo
It may have been a proud day for Americans and Canadians, but the royal Briton's appearance at the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway made it all the more special. After addressing crowds in St. Lambert, Quebec, the queen and President Dwight D. Eisenhower traveled aboard the royal yacht Britannia. Also pictured here: First lady Mamie Eisenhower, Prince Philip, Canadian Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, and his wife.
Express Newspapers / Getty Images
When Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip visited Washington in the mid-1970s, President Gerald Ford hosted a state dinner in the royals' honor. Here, the queen is shown dancing with the president at the event.
White House / Gerald R. Ford Library / AP Photo
During the queen's second—and most recent—visit to New York City, 34 years ago, she stopped by Federal Hall, where Mayor Abraham Beame (left) welcomed her and Prince Philip. Here, the group poses in front of a large statue of George Washington outside the building.
AP Photo
During a visit to Washington in March 1983, President Ronald Reagan hosted a state dinner in the monarch's honor at the M.H. De Young Museum. The two leaders are pictured sharing a toast at the event.
From high glamour to the great outdoors. Two days after President Reagan honored the queen at a state dinner, Her Majesty stopped by Yosemite National Park in California. Here, park superintendent Bob Binnewies points out highlights from Inspiration Point.
Walt Zeboski / AP Photo
During a May 1991 trip to Washington, Her Majesty became the first British monarch to address the United States Congress. In this image, Vice President Dan Quayle and House Speaker Thomas Foley applaud the queen before she delivers her speech before a joint session.
Doug Mills / AP Photo
Queen Elizabeth II and President George H.W. Bush watch a fife and drum corps parade after the queen's arrival at the White House on May 14, 1991.
Dennis Cook / AP Photo
On the sixth day of her most recent trip to the States, Queen Elizabeth II and President George W. Bush spoke on the White House's South Lawn. True to form, the president committed a "royal faux pas," according to The Washington Post, suggesting that the queen had witnessed American independence in 1776. "Her Majesty did not appear to be amused," the Post wryly reported.
PA Photos / Landov
Members of Virginia Indian tribes perform a dance for Queen Elizabeth II and Virginia first lady Anne Holton as Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, right, and Gov. Tim Kaine speak in Richmond on May 3, 2007.
Eva Russo / AP Photo
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.