CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The passing of Britain’s Prince Philip at age 99 stirs a memory here in Chicago of a royal visit more than 60 years ago.
It was July 6, 1959 when the Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth made a roughly half-day stop in Chicago while traveling through Canada along the recently opened St. Lawrence Seaway.
Related
Upon their arrival, the couple was greeted by Mayor Richard J. Daley and his wife, Eleanor "Sis" Daley, Illinois Governor William Stratton and other dignitaries.
It was the royal couple’s only American stop and the first visit of a reigning British monarch to the Windy City.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s hectic tour took them to a reception at the Drake Hotel, the Art Institute and the Museum of Science and Industry, among other locations. They enjoyed a cart ride at Navy Pier while touring a trade fair.
After a fireworks display at the lakefront, the Queen reportedly told Mayor Daley: “This is an unforgettable day – a day I will never forget.”
