HRH The Duchess of Cornwall & York, Melbourne 1901

In May 1901, TRHs The Duke & Duchess of Cornwall and York visited the new Commonwealth of Australia for the opening of inaugural Australian Parliament in the temporary capital, Melbourne. The formal opening took place at the Royal Exhibition Buildings on May 9, 1901.
Opening of the First Australian Parliament, May, 1901

'The Opening of the First Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, May 9, 1901, by H.R.H. The Duke of Cornwall and York'

The Duchess wore a black mourning outfit, with the Order of Victora and Albert suspended on a white moire sash over her right shoulder. She wore her CI insignia, Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee medal, & the Order of St John on bows on her left shoulder.

TRHs Duke and Duchess of Cornwall & York, with Governor-General & Lady Hopetoun

The official Party at Government House, Melbourne, on the day of the official opening of the first Commonwealth Parliament


The event was captured by famous Australian artist Tom Robert in what has become known as “The Big Picture”.
Artists Footsetps on "The Big Picture"


Roberts was given private sittings by the royal couple, as well as supplied with formal portraits for his sketchings and final work.
National Gallery of Australia exhibition on Tom Roberts, with sketch of Duchess of Cornwall and York




Duchess of Cornwall portraits at Aust National Portrait Gallery

https://www.portrait.gov.au/portraits/2015.38/duchess-of-cornwall-and-york-later-queen-mary/