CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The late Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip visited Chicago once: a 14-hour trip to the city in July 1959.
Queen Elizabeth II and members of the British royal family arrived in Chicago via the royal yacht HMY Britannia. The spot where they came ashore, between Monroe Street and Jackson Drive, is still known as "Queen's Landing."
The royal party toured the city and were honored at a special dinner at the Conrad Hilton Hotel, hosted by Mayor Richard J. Daley. The Chicago Public Library wrote that the dinner drew thousands of people. She reportedly told Daley it was "an unforgettable day."
Below are archived photos from the queen's visit. She passed away Thursday at the age of 96.
The HMY Britannia
Chicago Park District Archives, Special Collections, Chicago Public LibraryArrival of Queen Elizabeth
Chicago Park District Archives, Special Collections, Chicago Public LibraryQueen Elizabeth II is welcomed to Chicago in front of Buckingham Fountain
Chicago Park District Archives, Special Collections, Chicago Public LibraryDesign for Queen's Landing
Chicago Park District Archives, Special Collections, Chicago Public LibraryDesign for Queen's Landing, looking south
Chicago Park District Archives, Special Collections, Chicago Public LibraryThe Air Force salute Queen Elizabeth II upon arrival.
Chicago Park District Archives, Special Collections, Chicago Public LibraryArmy firing salute upon Queen Elizabeth's arrival
Chicago Park District Archives, Special Collections, Chicago Public LibraryAn invitation to the dinner honoring Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, hosted by Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley
Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection, Abbott-SengstackeAn invitation enclosure informing guests of the dress code for dinner
Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection, Abbott-SengstackeThe cover of the evening's dinner program
Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection, Abbott-SengstackeThe menu and order of events for the evening's dinner
Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection, Abbott-Sengstacke
