King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the mother of Queen Elizabeth II) toured Canada in 1939 and were the first reigning British monarchs to ever visit the country.
The royal couple sailed into Victoria from Vancouver, and during their stay in the capital, they met with B.C. Premier Pattullo, were presented with over 100 guests in the Legislative Chamber, had an official luncheon at the Empress Hotel and visited with the public. Although the King and Queen were well received by Canadians, the reason for this particular royal tour was to help solidify Britain's relationships with Canada and the United States, as global political tensions intensified.
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on the Ceremonial Entrance of the Parliament Buildings, 1939.
