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1934 -  A Duke comes to town

The details for this account of the visit of the Duke of Gloucester to Nambour in December 1934 were taken from the Nambour Chronicles of that month, as indicated. 

In late 1934 the people of the Maroochy district were delighted to learn that they would be having another royal visitor. His Royal Highness, Prince Henry, the Duke of Gloucester would be visiting the area for two days. His full name and title was His Royal Highness The Prince Henry William Frederick Albert, Duke of Gloucester, Earl of Ulster and Baron Culloden. He was the third son of King George V, his two older brothers being Edward and Albert.

The eldest brother, H.R.H. Edward, Prince of Wales, born in 1894, had briefly visited Nambour in 1920. In 1936 he became King Edward VIII upon his father's death, but reigned for only 11 months before abdicating before his coronation. The second brother, Albert (born in 1895, created the Duke of York in 1920, and father of our present Queen) took over the Crown as King George VI. Born in 1900, Prince Henry was created the Duke of Gloucester, Earl of Ulster and Baron Culloden by his father in 1928. He had two younger brothers, George (born 1902, Duke of Kent) and John (the 'Lost Prince' born in 1905, who suffered from epilepsy which worsened as he approached his teens, leading to his being kept out of the public gaze; he died aged 13½ after a seizure.)

Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, 11 years after his Nambour visit, as Governor-General of Australia.

The Duke of Gloucester was due to arrive in Nambour by train on the morning of Saturday, 8^th December, after which he would proceed by car to Buderim House, a stately home at the north-eastern end of the Buderim ridge. He would use the House as a base from which he could visit the surrounding areas and beaches for that day and the next. He would return to his train at Nambour some time after 8 p.m. on Sunday, 9th December. The Royal train would leave Nambour at 5 a.m., and was due back in Brisbane at 7:57 a.m. on Monday morning.

In Nambour, preparations were made to provide the Duke with an enthusiastic welcome on the Saturday morning that he passed through. The following details of the visit are taken almost verbatim from the reports printed in the Nambour Chronicle.

“Enthusiastic Welcome Awaits the Duke of Gloucester
 

By the Citizens of Maroochy District

TO GREET HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS

Large Crowds will Assemble at Vantage Points To-Morrow

At Nambour and Buderim, and at various points along the route which His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester will motor to-morrow to 'Buderim House', large crowds will assemble. Residents of the district, and visitors, will come to pay homage to the son of His Majesty the King, and also to again express their loyalty to the Throne and Empire. Such a day will be long remembered and may be recalled with pride for many years to come. The days which the Duke will spend in this district will mark an epoch in the annals of district history, just in the same way as many today are reminiscent of the various periods at which Royalty has visited our shores. 

His Royal Highness, no doubt, has found already much of interest, and even for admiration, in his tour of Australia to date. In this small corner of a Great Empire he may add to his fund of knowledge something of the vast resources of a land which, while comparatively young, is greatly blessed with the spirit of enterprise, industry and thrift. Such attributes have proved the fundamentals upon which the pioneering of this portion of Queensland has taken shape. As the Royal visitor travels on his way to Buderim there will be revealed the open areas of cultivation which are producing the crops by which the primary earnings of the people contribute to the maintenance of a town and district. 

While the Duke has observed many areas of rural lands, and various types of cultivation, he will also be shown to what extent the production of the district fruits has advanced, and the nature of the country from which such orchards and plantations have been brought to the present standard of efficiency. These aspects are likely to impress His Royal Highness, if one is to judge by the interest he has manifested in what has been placed under his observation. He is taking up residence at Buderim as a brief respite from the call of official engagements, and to enjoy at his leisure a mountain atmosphere which, as most of our district residents are aware, is particularly bracing and exhilarating. Thus, while the Duke in his car pauses at Nambour as the strains of the National Anthem float over the immediate surroundings, the crowds will silently wish for the Royal visitor a delightful and refreshing restful period on the attractive rural plateau of Buderim.”   {7-12-1934, p.12}

“ROYAL WELCOME

OVER ONE THOUSAND CHILDREN TO ASSEMBLE FROM DISTRICT SCHOOLS 

Over one thousand children, who will line various vantage points at the Town Square, and inside the barriers extending along Currie Street, will take part in the Royal welcome. The children come from district schools, and are drawn from Bli Bli, Rosemount, Yandina, Nambour Rural, Nambour Convent, Montville, Flaxton, Maroochy River, Perwillowen, Obi Obi, Mapleton, Kureelpa and Coolum. 

Woombye school children are to assemble at a point not far from the turn-off of the main road at Woombye, while Maroochydore are to line up at the foot of Kuskopf’s Hill, near the corner of the turn-off with the Maroochydore Road. Each child representing one family will bear a small flag on which is printed the photo of His Royal Highness. In all, 400 flags have been procured, and this procedure is necessary in order that the flags will be fairly distributed as far as possible. A contingent of children is allotted to the Square area, and their position will be in front of the Town Band, facing the Town Hall. They will sing the National Anthem to the accompaniment of the Band.”   {7-12-1934, p.12}

 Station Square in 1932.
Photograph courtesy Sunshine Coast Libraries

“AT THE TOWN SQUARE 

Order of Arrangements and Progress of Royal Cars 

Although previous announcements concerning the time His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester would leave his train, and join his car for Buderim, was given as 8 a.m., later official information discloses that it will now be nearer 9 a.m.The main portion of the Square is enclosed with a white-painted railing, and from the top side nearest to the Town Hall buildings, an arch bearing the word “Welcome” will extend across the roadway. Erected on either side of the main street are barricades, outside of which the public will be permitted to congregate. A clear road will thus be available for the progress of the Royal cars. These barricades are to extend from the Town Hall to the tramline.

The arrangements made by the Chairman of the Shire Ciuncil (Cr. J. T. Lowe) and the Assistant State Transport Officer (Mr. S. J. Hobson) provide for the assembling of school children, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and the Town Band inside the railed enclosure, the top portion of the enclosure being reserved for the children. There is already outlined the positions on other portions of the roadway which the children will occupy, and the intention is that lines of children on either side of the main street will extend as far as possible from the Town Hall corner southwards.

When His Royal Highness steps to the platform he will be introduced to the Chairman of the Shire Council, who in turn will introduce His Highness to the Councillors. Leaving the station entrance, His Highness will then enter a tourer car (Morris 25), specially allotted to him, and the car will move slowly, preceded by the pilot car, towards the arch. When the Royal car is some distance short of the arch, the car will stop as the Town Band plays the National Anthem.

Following the above order, it is not known by those in charge of the arrangements the procedure the Duke will adopt, that being entirely in accordance with his own personal wishes. It is thought, however, that he will personally inspect the guard of honour, and may even wish to meet the Diggers. The Returned Soldiers are occupying a position on the footpath in front of the Town Hall in convenient lines extending from the corner opposite the arch, down towards the railway station. In the first bay on the opposite side of the same roadway, a number of troopers from the Maroochy Light Horse will be located.

His Highness will then re-enter his car, and the two cars (the Royal and pilot cars) [will] proceed at a convenient rate of speed to 'Buderim House'. It will be noted that the Royal car will move from the station entrance towards Currie Street via the inward route of the Square. This has been planned to obviate inconvenience, and for the purpose of more efficiently controlling the crowds, and to overcome any delay of the Royal procession.

TWO CARS ONLY IN PROCESSION

Two cars only will comprise the procession. The car which the Duke will occupy will be driven by Mr J. T. Lowe. They will be accompanied by one member of the Duke's personal bodyguard, and a member of His Highness's personal staff. The pilot car, to precede the Royal car, is being driven by Mr S. J. Hobson (Assistant State Transport Officer), and his passengers comprise a police officer, a member of the Duke's staff, and Mr G. W. Watson (State Organiser).

Six cars connected with the Royal visit are provided for other members of the staff, and a truck is allotted to convey the baggage to 'Buderim House'. The cars and the truck are to be despatched to Buderim from Nambour at least twenty minutes before the Royal procession commences. At 'Buderim House', two Royal cars will be placed at the disposal of His Highness, and are to be kept in readiness should the Duke desire a motor trip to various parts of the district.”  {7-12-1934, p.12}

Shire Chairman Cr J. T. Lowe              Mr S. J. Hobson
Photographs courtesy Sunshine Coast Libraries  

“WIRELESS BROADCAST

Royal Reception at Nambour

Arrangements are being made for a wireless broadcast of the Royal reception at Nambour by Messrs. Chandler and Co., of Brisbane. Several positions at which the necessary equipment will be installed have been suggested. One location which is thought as the most suitable is the balcony of the Town Hall [the rebuilt Maroochy Shire Hall], which projects from the Council Chambers and overlooks the Square. This point is regarded as the quietest and most acceptable of all the sites under consideration, while also an uninterrupted view of the proceedings could be obtained. Such an opportunity of describing a function unique in the history of the town and district should ensure that every possible facility is provided to enable a successful broadcast.”  {7-12-1934, p.13}

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The Royal train, comprising five carriages and a van,  left Brisbane at 11:40 p.m. on Friday, December 7. After travelling through the night it arrived at Nambour at 3:10 a.m. and was placed in a siding. The itinerary called for the Duke to leave the train after he had had his breakfast (probably brought over to the train from the adjacent Royal Hotel - the Queensland Railways of the time had no dining cars).

The Duke's visit did not go according to the detailed plans as published above. The next week's Nambour Chronicle (14th December 1934) carried the following reports:

“Town Gay With Flags and Bunting

A striking scene met the eye in the early morning. The Royal train, with its shining brass-work and wine-coloured carriages, gleaming in the sunlight, with the engine beflagged and carrying the Royal coat-of-arms, was standing on a siding at the rear of the station. The station yard was looking its best, and the immediate surroundings were particularly pleasing in such glorious weather. It was no wonder that the crowds were easily the largest seen in Nambour. They sought to make the most of a unique opportunity to greet a son of the Royal household, and everyone appreciated the fact that the town and district had responded in a most remarkable manner.

Flags were flown from various buildings adjacent to and overlooking the Square, and lines of bunting fluttered in the breeze at various other points. Crowds lined the balcony of the Royal Hotel, while windows of buildings facing the line of route in the business area all contained their interested onlookers. Roofs and awnings of business places were utilised, while on the other side of the street from the Town Hall corner to the tramline, the mass of people extended back from the barriers to the footpaths.

The orderliness of the crowds was exemplary, and the large squad of police whose members were posted at certain points found that their work was comparatively easy.”   {14-12-1934, p.7} 

Currie Street is decorated for the arrival of the Duke.
Photograph courtesy Sunshine Coast Libraries  

“Resplendent Carnival Effect

The Square and the main street were beflagged and decorated with palms. Across from the top corner of the square to a barrier post was the word 'Welcome'. A white fence, which enclosed portion of the square, added to the attractiveness of the scene, while serving as a barrier from the Town Hall corner to the tramline. On either side of the street were large concrete pipes into which were set tall, graceful palms. These were large enough to serve as substantial posts, and a line of cord extending from one post to the other at short intervals, provided a most effective barrier.

Flags and bunting waved in a slight breeze, while the temperature, though a little high, was not uncomfortable. The weather was ideal for the occasion, and the scene was resplendent in colour and carnival effect.”  {14-12-1934, p.7}

The townspeople gather to give a public reception to Prince Henry. The two-year old Maroochy Shire Hall (still referred to by locals as the Town Hall) is the imposing building at the right margin.
Photograph courtesy Sunshine Coast Libraries  

“THE CHAIRMAN'S GREETINGS

Tendered to His Royal Highness

In the following brief words, the Chairman of the Shire Council (Cr. J. T. Lowe) welcomed His Royal Highness:

"I desire, Sir, on behalf of the residents of the Shire of Maroochy, to tender you a welcome, and to assure you of the people's continued loyalty to the Throne of His Most Gracious Majesty the King and Empire. I wish you a pleasant and restful holiday at Buderim."

His Royal Highness expressed his appreciation and thanks for the Chairman's remarks.

CITIZENS INTRODUCED

Although all the Councillors were not present to meet His Royal Highness, there was nevertheless quite a representative gathering. In addition, officials of the Council were also present. Two representatives of the returned soldiers, esteemed officers of rank, were also among the number. With the number also waiting to be introduced were the Federal and State Parliamentary representatives.

Although 9:45 a.m. was given as the time at which His Royal Highness would step from his carriage, it was some ten minutes earlier when he walked to the platform. He was immediately introduced to the Chairman of the Council. Councillor Lowe walked with the Duke along the line, and introduced each citizen in turn. Those in the vicinity of the station premises, on both the western and eastern side, and the western end of the Royal Hotel balcony, were privileged to witness this part of the reception, and probably were the most fortunate section of the crowd.

Those introduced to His Royal Highness, with whom he shook hands, were: Mr. B. H. Corser M.H.R., Mr. H. F. Walker M.L.A. and Mrs Walker, Mr. G. F. Nicklin M.L.A. and Mrs Nicklin, Councillor W. E. Pope, Cr. T. Rose and Mrs Rose, Cr. A. E. Cook and Mrs Cook, Cr. S. Kelly and Mrs Kelly, Cr. R. H. Whalley and Miss Whalley, Cr. S./ Johnston and Mrs Johnston, Mrs J. T. Lowe, Mrs W. Kittle, Mrs W. Whalley, Messrs. B. T. Allars, S. J. Hobson, A. Eckersley, Colonel S. Midgley and Major A. J. Bolingbroke.

Following these formalities, little further time elapsed before His Royal Highness entered his car, and proceeded along the inward route to the top part of the Square.”  {14-12-1934, p.7}

The Prince is hardly seen as he drives through the assembled onlookers in a closed car.
Photograph courtesy Sunshine Coast Libraries

“Fleeting Glance of the Royal Visitor at Nambour
 

The Royal Car Drives Through Mystified, Disappointed Crowds

ONLY STOPS MOMENTARILY WHEN NATIONAL ANTHEM IS PLAYED

Between four and five thousand persons, who had assembled at various vantage points in and within the vicinity of the Station Square and along Currie Street, Nambour, on Saturday morning last, and waited most patiently to join in a vociferous welcome to His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, were mystified and heartily disappointed to observe the Royal car proceed along the roadway, pass Returned Soldiers, school children standing at attention in the Square, and lining a lengthy distance along the main street, momentarily halt as the National Anthem was played, and gather speed as it made the hill en route to 'Buderim House'.

To add to the keen disappointment of the onlookers, the Duke drove in a closed car, which he entered after meeting the Chairman, Councillors and officials of the Maroochy Shire Council. For some time after the Royal cars had departed, the people, as they dispersed from the main crowd, stood aghast in small groups, conversing on the amazingly sudden turn of events. Why this remarkable change in arrangements which had met with the approval of State officials, no one could fathom, though it was evident on every hand that the crowds were highly indignant and in no uncertain way voiced their displeasure.  {14-12-1934, p.7}

Previous Arrangements Receive Last-Minute Veto

Not within ten minutes of the decision that the Duke should ride in a closed car was the Chairman of the Shire Council (Cr. J. T. Lowe) aware of the altered arrangements. The special open car was in attendance, and the changing of the Royal Standard from the closed car to the open car, and then back to the first-mentioned car, indicated at once that something different to what was previously intended, has transpired. The closed car afforded few indeed to catch a glimpse of the Royal visitor, even to the extent that quite a large section of the crowd was unaware that His Royal Highness had really passed until the Town Band had struck up the National Anthem.

Another strange factor of the arrival was that Nambour was one of the very few centres during the Royal tour in Australia where a closed car was used. In view of the fact that the arrangements as set out in the Chronicle of last week were approved by the State officials, who conferred with the Chairman of the Shire Council and the Assistant State Transport Officer (Mr. S. J. Hobson), at the Station Square some weeks ago, and were shown the identical places where children, Returned Soldiers, and representatives of other bodies were to be located, the changed order required an explanation to the large and representative concourse of people. Naturally, the crowds had some grounds for indignation, and at the same time expressed their sympathy for those who had undertaken the responsibility for the arrangements at Nambour.  {14-12-1934, p.7}

Children's Disappointing Long Wait

Although the time at which His Royal Highness would leave the train en route to Buderim was latterly stated at about 9 a.m., the almost last-minute information gave the time at 9.45 a.m. At a very early hour crowds began to gather, and their numbers were increased to very large proportions as the time grew closer. A truck-load of children was seen as early as 7 a.m. parked near the Town Hall, and some visitors for the important occasion found it necessary to leave their homes before daylight in order to make Nambour in good time. It was stated that people had journeyed [from] as far as Maryborough and Kingaroy.

Children came from various parts of the district to take part in the schools' demonstration, and some of those little mites were standing about from 8 a.m. Their disappointment was naturally most keen, particularly when during the week they had imbued much that had been taught in school as to the meaning of the Royal visit, and the traditions of the Throne and Empire. To these children, approximating a thousand in number, the disappointment at not having viewed the Royal Visitor was understandable, and of the many hundreds of persons who never as much as caught a sight of His Royal Highness, their thoughts turned to the children more than to anyone that their eager expectations had been so shattered.

These children were marshalled in lines, holding in their hands flags with the imprint of the member of the Royal household, whom, probably they would see only once in a lifetime. No wonder their little faces were a study of anxiety and wonderment! Theirs, therefore, was the greatest disappointment of all, and after the Duke had driven through the many pairs of peering eyes, the main theme permeating a conversation which revolved round the speedy visit, was sympathy for the children, who had been denied one of the greatest sights of their life, and which also would have been one of the most impressive.

It would be doubtful if, after His Royal Highness entered his closed car at the railway, even ten per cent of the people were afforded a glimpse of him. For some days previously the children were practising the National Anthem, and were also instructed in regard to the positions they were to occupy, and time at which they were required to assemble. They rehearsed the previous Friday at the Square.   {14-12-1934, p.7}

Crowds Looked for Open Car

 The cheering of the children as the Royal visitor passed them was uttered with uncertainty, and was not that which one would expect from a large proportion of 1000 children who would be certain of the reason for their pent-up enthusiasm. Not only the children, but the majority of the adults in the crowd were not too sure of the identity of the Royal visitor owing to the disadvantage of the closed cars. Having had no notice to the contrary, they expected to see His Royal Highness in the open and specially-selected car. Throughout there was an atmosphere of uncertainty.

When the band played the first notes of the National Anthem, the Royal car was at the point of proceeding under the arch of 'Welcome', but apparently the strains were not heard until the car had travelled a distance of some yards when a momentary halt was made. Even then, many who had viewed the procession up to this point believed that some mistake had occurred, and anticipated that the Royal car would return.   {14-12-1934, p.7}

Impromptu Presentations

As soon as it was noticed that the Royal car was again moving on, Miss Phyllis Brooker of Eumundi, who had been waiting at a point in the line since 8:30 a.m., stepped forward and passed into the hand of His Royal Highness's secretary an enlarged photograph of a koala. The lady hurriedly explained that the photograph was one taken of a koala which the Prince of Wales admired when he visited Nambour in 1920.

Mr. W. A. Zerner, head master of the Nambour Rural School, had intended a gift to the Duke in more formal fashion if His Royal Highness had (as possibly thought), inspected the lines of children. Seizing his only opportunity, Mr. Zerner rushed alongside the stationary car, and handed in a leather saddle-bag made by the pupils of the school.

Later, the crowd were amused by witnessing two small koalas perched on a branch of a palm, sniffing the air and paying little attention to the demeanour of the crowds as they prepared to disperse. In acknowledging the gift from the school in a letter written from the Royal train, the Duke expressed thanks and appreciation for the kindly gift.”   {14-12-1934, p.7}

[With reference to her reminiscences about the long-gone Mapleton Tramway (available here ), Mrs Jean English described to the writer in 1999 how children from the schools at Flaxton, Mapleton, Dulong and Kureelpa had been brought to Nambour in 1934 to see the Duke of Gloucester. They had travelled on two trams, each hauled by a Shay locomotive. The children rode on bogie log wagons and four-wheeled cane trucks, with temporary seats bolted on. The trip took two hours each way, involving a very early start. Even after 65 years, she remembered the disappointment: "We didn't see him, but we saw a koala on the way home, so the trip was not entirely wasted."]

“UNHAPPY CHILDREN

Walked Three Miles to See the Duke

The children from the Maroochydore School were in changed moods on Saturday morning, They assembled under the direction of their head master, Mr Sherrin, at the foot of Kuskopf's hill on the way to Buderim, three miles from Maroochydore. In great glee they marched along the road to the appointed place, and they returned home foot-sore and disappointed.

Waiting for an hour or more, they saw the closed car containing His Highness the Duke of Gloucester speed past. It is doubtful if the young people even caught a glimpse of the Royal visitor.   {14-12-1934, p.6}

SAW THE DUKE

'Only for about a second'

A sharp-eyed coloured youth at Buderim Mountain was amongst the crowd who witnessed the Royal car flash by and enter the Buderim House grounds. Asked afterwards if he had seen the Duke, he immediately replied, 'Yes.' Thinking that he was one of the few lucky ones, his answer was being accepted as final, when he qualified the affirmative by adding, "But only for about a second."

If such a momentary vision was obtained by this young man of the keen, discerning eyesight, which is a well-known characteristic of the coloured races, it occurred to the inquirer that there was but a hopeless chance for other people. The quickness of the eye in these days of speed has some special virtues after all.   {14-12-1934, p.1}

PARLIAMENTARIANS INCENSED

Insult to Country Children

No greater expression of indignation could have been voiced than those expressed by the Federal and State Parliamentarians for the district, Messrs. B. H. Corser, and H. F. Walker and G. F. Nicklin, regarding the arrangements for the Royal visit to Nambour. They felt that an insult was offered by the Brisbane organisation to the representatives of the country children of Queensland when no opportunity was given to most of the children to even see the Duke during his visit.

For hours the little ones had congregated from miles round, having journeyed by car and train to be present and to see a member of the Royal Family. After standing for hours, and having purchased flags, the disappointment in them and their parents must have been very great, and the unfairness to His Royal Highness can never be made known to him. As Nambour was the most northern point of Australia to be visited by His Royal Highness, at least the little ones could have had a reasonable opportunity of doing him the honour they had come to tender.

The members expressed their sympathy to the Chairman of the Shire Council (Cr. J. T. Lowe) and those who had spared no time or expense to provide an enthusiastic welcome, and who had so beautifully and gaily decorated their town with flags and palms. They felt that the matter was one that reflected the greatest discredit on the organisations responsible. Messrs. Corser, Walker and Nicklin each indicated that they personally knew nothing of the arrangements, as they were solely conducted by the committee appointed by the State Government.”   {14-12-1934, p.6}

While at Buderim, the Duke goes riding on 'Ringer' with Mr George Burnett.
Photograph courtesy Sunshine Coast Libraries

During his two days at Buderim House, the Duke visited farms and orchards, went motoring through the district and enjoyed horse-riding. He was driven to the Mooloolah River, and was taken downstream and out to sea in Mr H. J. Murphy's high-speed motor-boat, the 'Aqua-Flyer'. About half-way to Old Woman Island (Mudjimba), they turned around. The Duke took the wheel and brought the boat back over the bar and into the river again. Prince Henry also went to the beach, and spent an hour surfing, and riding on a 'surf-o-plane'. He went horse-riding along the sand, and into the waves. When it came time to return to Nambour, he said that he 'had enjoyed every moment of it',  but that his stay had been 'much too short'.   {14-12-1934, p.6}

“AWAITING THE DUKE'S RETURN

Awaiting the return of the Duke of Gloucester to Nambour on Sunday evening, several hundred persons congregated in the Station yard and about the Station Square. Interest was centred on the Royal train. Permission was granted to view the Saloon in the Royal apartments on the train, and quite a number availed themselves of the opportunity. The Town Band also added a brightness in providing a programme of music in Station Square, in which an audience of a goodly number was seated in canvas chairs.

When the first few cars containing members of the Royal party, and also a truck from Buderim bearing the luggage, arrived, the crowd was removed from the Station yard and the railway gates closed. A little after 10.30 p.m., His Royal Highness arrived in his closed car, and alighting, stood for a moment or two, and entered his carriage. As his car turned into the Square and proceeded through the railway gates, he was greeted with hearty cheers.”   {14-12-1934, p.6}

Footnotes: Today's Gloucester Road, which runs north from Buderim's Main Street (just east of the Buderim Mountain State School) towards the edge of the escarpment, linking up via Orme Road and Jones Road to the Kuluin area, was so renamed to commemorate the visit of the Duke of Gloucester, who travelled along it in 1934.

In late 1944 H.R.H. The Prince Henry William Frederick Albert, Duke of Gloucester, KG, KT, KP, GCB, GCMG, GCVO was unexpectedly appointed Governor-General of Australia. His younger brother, Prince George, the Duke of Kent, had been offered the position, but he was killed in an air crash in Scotland. The Labour Party of the Prime Minister, John Curtin, had a policy of appointing Australians to the vice-regal post, but in the circumstances of wartime, Curtin decided that appointing a member of the Royal Family would have three advantages. It would improve the likelihood that Britain would maintain its commitment to the defence of Australia, make the point that Australia had not become a dependency of the United States, and would be more politically neutral than appointing an Australian.

The Duke was accompanied to Australia by his wife and two young sons (one a babe in arms). Although Gloucester formed a close friendship with Curtin, some considered the appointment was not an enormous success. The Duke was shy and appeared stiff and formal to some. He and the Duchess travelled widely using his own plane during their time in office. When Curtin died on 5 July 1945, the Duke appointed Frank Forde as Prime Minister. While he was Governor-General, Prince Henry again visited Nambour.

The Duke of Gloucester left Australia in March 1947, after two years in the job, due to the need to act as Regent during the absence in South Africa of his brother, King George VI. As a parting gift, he left his own plane for use by the government and people of Australia.

When he died on 10 June 1974, his surviving son, Prince Richard inherited the title of Duke of Gloucester. The Duke's wife, Alice, received permission from Queen Elizabeth II to be styled Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester to distinguish herself from Prince Richard's wife. She survived until 2004, becoming at 102 years and 9 months the longest-lived member of the British Royal Family in history.

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