Vale, Queen Elizabeth II

In the early hours of this morning, Australia woke to the tragic news that the longest serving British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, had died aged 96.

Buckingham Palace released a statement announcing that the Queen's doctors were concerned for Her Majesty's health and recommended she remain under medical supervision.

Members of the Royal family were seen arriving at Balmoral to be by the Queen's side.

It wasn't long after that she passed peacefully at her home.

Queen Elizabeth II was fond of Fremantle, visiting our great city a number of times during her reign.

This letter is from her first visit, in April 1954, during the celebrations that followed her coronation. It was the first  time that a reigning British sovereign had set foot here and it was a huge occasion.

Above photo: A signed letter from Queen Elizabeth II to the mayor of Fremantle in 1954, from the City's Memorabilia Collection. 

Crowds lined the streets, guns boomed and bands played. The city was decorated with festoons, flowers, streamers and bunting. Fremantle Town Hall was illuminated and decorated.

Above photo: People farewell the Queen in 1954. Image courtesy Fremantle History Centre.

Former Fremantle Mayor Frederick Samson was among the official party at Victoria Quay celebrating the Queen's last day in Australia. Her Majesty's letter expresses a heartfelt prayer for the future prosperity of the City—"and happiness for your people".

Above photo: Newspaper article from when Queen Elizabeth II left Fremantle. Read the article