britishmonarchy

Almost certainly taken by Henry William Mobsby, as I have seen another almost identical shot, but the ladies behind are looking towards the camera. The photo is at the Fryer Library, in the Mobsby Collection - UQFL181 Box 1 Folder 13. You can see it here on page 128: espace.library.uq.edu.au/data/UQ_418596/HenryWMobsby_biog...

Thank you Kaye. That is useful information. I will pass it on to our Description team.

www.flickr.com/photos/jacksonstreet/50120958711/in/datepo...

A small viewing gazebo with an ogee-shaped roof, stone base, open balustrades, pergola entrance, and housing a telescope was constructed c.1918. In 1927 the Duke and Duchess of York were photographed visiting Mount Coot-tha standing at the direction finder.[1] Source: www.wikiwand.com/en/Mount_Coot-tha_Lookout

" When Hugh Deviney became Park Ranger, after World War I, he and his sisters lived at the kiosk. The four Diveney sisters ran a successful catering business, selling home-smoked hams and home-baked cakes and pastries. For many local people, a special outing was the walk-up the mountain to the kiosk for an afternoon tea with sandwiches and scones. The Divenys were hosts to many VIPs, including the Duke and Dutches of York, who were later to be crowned King George VI and Queens Elizabeth. Two war veterans on horseback met them at the Reserve's gates and escorted them, one on either side of the car, to the kiosk, where Bille Deviney presented them with a bouquet of gum tips and Texas grass. The royal couple inspected the viewing dial and took tea in the kiosk. Brisbane's Mayor William Jolly took every opportunity to promote Brisbane and its tourist attractions. In 1927 he called on every citizen to help promote the city because every sector of the community benefitted from tourist expenditure." Source: History of Mount Coot-tha By Janet Spillman, 2013

Edward abdicated from the throne on 11 December 1936 and in his speach to the nation famously said "I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as king as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love."

Although he was legally entitled to marry Wallis Simpson, Edward knew that if he did, the current Prime Minister, Stanley Baldwin, would resign and throw the country into a general election, thus removing the political impartiality of the monarchy.

He is the only monarch of either Britain or the Commonwealth who has chosen to Abdicate, and at 325 days, his reign is one of the shortest in any of his countries.

Edward was also never crowned king.