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Torquay, Devon: Princess Royal Meets Devonshire Girl Guides (1937)



The Princess Royal At Torquay (1937) - British Pathé on YouTube


In 1937, the County Rally of the Devonshire Girl Guides was visited by the Royal President of the Girl Guide Association, Princess Mary, the Princess Royal. 

Also in attendance was Lady Clinton, the County Commissioner, and Torquay's Mayor, Mr A Dennis Phillips.


In 1937, the title of Princess Royal was held by Princess Mary (the only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary). . She was a tireless public servant and a particularly beloved figure in the British youth movements.

Here is the history of her connection to the Girl Guides and her historic visit to Torquay.

1. Who was the Princess Royal?

Princess Mary was the aunt of the future Queen Elizabeth II. She was given the title of Princess Royal in 1932. In 1937, she was also known as the Countess of Harewood through her marriage to the Earl of Harewood.

2. The "Royal Girl Guide"

Princess Mary’s connection to the Girl Guides was deep and lifelong.

  • The President: She became the President of the Girl Guides Association in 1920 and held the position for 45 years until her death in 1965.

  • Hands-on Leadership: She wasn't just a figurehead; she was often seen in her official Guide Leader uniform. She encouraged her nieces, Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, to join the movement, even helping to form the 1st Buckingham Palace Company.

  • Princess Mary’s Own: She had a special company at Sandringham known as "Princess Mary’s Own," and she personally gifted books to the girls every Christmas for decades.

3. The 1937 Visit to Torquay

Yes, Princess Mary made a high-profile visit to Torquay in 1937.

  • The Occasion: She traveled to the town specifically to attend a massive Girl Guide Rally held for the guides of Devon.

  • The Scene: Thousands of guides from all over the county descended on Torquay. The Princess, dressed in her full Guide uniform, was greeted by the Mayor of Torquay and Lady Clinton (the County Commissioner).

  • The Highlights: The day was filled with a grand march-past, displays of country dancing, and a historical pageant in which the guides wore period costumes.

  • The "Riot" of Appreciation: Historical footage of the event shows a humorous moment at the end of the rally when a "mass of Guides" broke ranks and rushed toward the platform to cheer for the Princess, requiring local leaders to link arms to hold them back from the stage.

Summary: Princess Mary in 1937

DetailFact
Official TitleHRH The Princess Royal (Countess of Harewood).
Guide RoleRoyal President of the Girl Guides Association.
Torquay EventThe Devon Girl Guide Rally (1937).
UniformShe attended in her official dark blue Guide Leader uniform.

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