BUTLINS PWLLHELI
Royal Visit 1963

Butlins has always been regarded as a holiday for the working man.
But on 9th August 1963 it got a boost in status when it was visited by Royalty -
by no less than Queen Elizabeth II, and the Duke of Edinburgh.

Billy Butlin personally escorted the Queen and Prince Philip through the various entertainment buildings, and introduced her to members of his senior staff.

Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh then climbed into the back of  a Military Police Land Rover, and were driven around the camp through crowds of waving campers. At the Queen's request they also visited the on-site church and met with the chaplain.

Prince Philip had special memories of the Pwllheli camp, as he was billetted there during WW2,
after it had been taken over by the navy and re-named "H.M.S. Glendower."

What later became the tennis courts was then the parade ground, and the dias made of local stone,
where the Senior officer took the salute, should still be there, on the edge of the tennis courts.

On the same visit to Wales, the Queen also went to Caernarvon (Caernarfon) Castle,
and the 'Royal National Eisteddfod.'

o-o-o-0-o-o-o

With thanks to Ron Stanway for the photos, and additional information

Other BUTLINS PWLLHELI photos:

1961 BUTLINS PWLLHELI REDCOATS

1964 BUTLINS PWLLHELI REDCOATS

1965 BUTLINS PWLLHELI REDCOATS

1966 BUTLINS PWLLHELI REDCOATS

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