Photo by Bill Turnbull, supplied by the South Peace Regional Archives SPRA 0664.03.07.16

By Curtis Galbraith

Community

South Peace Regional Archives asking for memories of royal visit to Grande Prairie

Apr 9, 2021 | 2:54 PM

Prince Phillip died at age 99 today and a local organization is asking people to share their memories of a royal visit to Grande Prairie.

The South Peace Regional Archives is asking for this in a post on its Facebook page.

Executive Director Alyssa Currie says the royal couple was here in August of 1978 as part of a visit to Alberta for the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton.

“As part of their trip, (they) visited several smaller communities including Grande Prairie. They were invited by the MLA as well as the Premier to attend the sod turning of the QE II hospital.”

She adds the royal couple did some other things while they were here.

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“The Queen unveiled a plaque recognizing the presence of the hospital on the site of the old Kathryn Prittie Hospital and the pioneers who had provided health care in Grande Prairie in years past. Then they headed over to Grande Prairie Regional College, where they hosted a community concert and a luncheon in the gymnasium.”

Photo by Bill Turnbull, supplied by the South Peace Regional Archives SPRA 0664.03.07.16

Currie says the royal visit to Grande Prairie was a short one.

“They were here for a whopping two-and-a-half hours, so it was a whirlwind visit. They actually arrived on their flight into the Grande Prairie Airport about 20 minutes late and there was a little bit of concern that they would have to cut their trip short but the royals graciously extended their visit so that they would be able to be here for the full two-and-a-half hours.”

Currie says more than 10,000 people gathered to see the royal couple, 3000 of whom greeted the sod turning. They also made stops in Peace River and High Level on that same trip.

Photo by Bill Turnbull, supplied by the South Peace Regional Archives SPRA 0664.03.07.16