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.
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Billy Butlin welcomes the Queen upon arrival at Butlins Pwllheli. |
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.
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The Queen and Prince Philip touring the Butlins
Pwllheli |
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 attended the 'Royal National Eisteddfod.'
