In Fiji, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are welcomed on Dec 17th, 1953, at Albert Park with cermonial dances. They drive to visit Adi Cakabau School for girls and Queen Victoria School for boys. They are shown around the girls school by the headmistress, Miss Charlton. On December 19, they visit Tonga, and are welcomed by Queen Salote and the Crown Prince, enjoy a feast, and watch dances of welcome. (Incomplete, ends suddenly)
Pan over scenery in Fiji - Ends on a group of dancers rehearsing for the royal tour. C.U's of some of the dancers, then a small girl practices her dance.
Royal Yacht 'Gothic' coming into the Suva harbour (Dec 17).
Soldiers firing royal salute.
The Royal Barge approaches the landing stage and the Queen & the Duke of Edinburgh alight & are met by His Excellency the Governor. They make their way to Albert Park, where ceremonial dances take place in the Official Welcome.
Fijian men perform the ritual of preparing the drink yoqona [kava], which is offered to the royal visitors. The Duke drinks it.
Fijian warriors performing a club meke, a traditional war dance.
Men & women performing a lakalaka (?).
Warriors performing a spear dance.
The royal party descending from the royal dais.
Through a car windscreen of the crowds lining the streets (sign 'Man Fat Bros') as the car drives under rows of flags to a girls' school.
The Queen and the headmistress, Miss Charlton (a New Zealander). The Queen then inspects the school, also visiting the nearby Queen Victoria School, where boys make mats.
After saying goodbye, the royal party leave.
‘On December 19th, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visit Queen Salote Tupou in her South Sea island Kingdom of Tonga'.
Plaque on archway 'Loyal Greetings to Her Majesty Domine Dirice Nos'.
'Welcome' sign, flags waving from the words.
Royal car arriving along crowd lined route, under 'triumphal arch' (with 'Long live the Queen' written on it) on the way to Nukualofa Memorial Hall where the Royal couple lay a wreath. They then walk along a crowded walkway with Queen Salote and the Crown Prince on their way to the malae, for a welcome ceremony.
The Royal party as they prepare for a feast - suckling pig, fruit and vegetables.
Large group of Tongan Women, dressed in their best, as they make their way to the malae.
A group of dancers on the malae - M.S. of female dancers performing.
Male and female dancers performing with tall white head-dresses.
Women and men dancers performing a different dance.