The Duchess of Kent and the Koala

The Duchess of Kent and the koala. Image from Queensland State Archives Digital Image ID 7986

In 1988, Australia celebrated its Bicentenary, which marked the 200th year since the arrival of Captain Arthur Phillip with the 11 ships of the First Fleet in Sydney Harbour in 1788, and the founding of the city of Sydney and the colony of New South Wales. The Queen and Prince Philip visited Australia and on April 30, she opened the World Expo in Brisbane before opening the new permanent Parliament House in Canberra on 9 May. Other members of the British Royal Family followed suit: The Prince and Princess of Wales, The Duke and Duchess of York and The Duke and Duchess of Kent came to Australia to join the festivities. When the Duchess of Kent (her husband, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, was The Queen's cousin) visited the World Expo, she was particularly overjoyed when she saw the koala and was much too happy to hug the animal herself! Her upbeat mood was caught on camera and her vibrant outfit was just lovely not to be mentioned!