Wonderful unpublished photographic archive comprised of 16 candid photos of various finishes from the 1939 British royal visit to the United States, showing King George VI and Elizabeth, Queen Mother, while in New York on June 10. The photos, measuring between 1.5 x 2 and 9.5 x 7.5, were taken by New York photographer Raoul 'Ral' Echeverria and affixed to both sides of three 11 x 14 scrapbook pages. The grouping begins with an invitation pass to be present at the city’s welcoming parade at Warren Street and West Street, with five photos showing the King and Queen as they go by in a fine limousine, including one magnificent close-up of the royal couple in clear view, with King Edward waving to the crowd. Subsequent images depict them visiting the British Pavilion at the 1939 World’s Fair, with the couple appearing in five of the photos. Additional photos show the royal motorcade and a waterfront building. Noticeable vertical creases to most photos (including the larger ones), otherwise overall fine condition. This royal state visit was of special historical significance—it was the first time a reigning British monarch had ever set foot on American soil. With Europe on the brink of war, President Franklin D. Roosevelt recognized the mutual importance of close relations with the United Kingdom and invited King George VI and Elizabeth, Queen Mother, to visit the United States. This visit became a key component in developing a stronger political and social alliance between the US and Great Britain, and these stunning photographs of the day they visited New York are of great historical interest.
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