The Prince of Wales's Visit, 1920

Photograph showing some of the dignitaries attending the Banquet to the Prince of Wales in the Commonwealth Bank Luncheon Hall. Photograph showing His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales being received at the entrance to the Commonwealth Bank's Head Office by the Governor-General and Sir Denison Miller (Governor, Commonwealth Bank) for the Governor-General's dinner held in his honour, 16 June 1920. Photograph showing overseas pressmen (accompanying the Prince of Wales) talking with Denison Miller (middle). Photograph showing the Prince of Wales (standing in the centre holding his hat) including Sir Walter Davidson, Governor, New South Wales (seated to the left of the Prince of Wales) and the Governor's wife, Dame Margaret Davidson (seated to the right of the Prince of Wales). Photograph showing the Royal procession passing along Martin Place towards the Commonwealth Bank. The foreground shows the procession turning into Pitt Street. Photograph showing the procession passing along George Street. Photograph showing the lower part of Martin Place (looking up towards Pitt Street) decorated for the Prince's visit. The GPO (General Post Office) is in the foreground. Photograph showing window boxes displaying masses of scarlet and green used as a decorative effect for large buildings during the visit. Photograph showing decorations by day on the buildings for the Prince of Wales’ visit to Australia, June 1920. Photograph showing decorations by night on the buildings for the Prince of Wales’ visit to Australia, June 1920. Photograph showing decorations by night on the Head Office building for the Prince of Wales’ visit to Australia, June 1920. Photograph showing how the Commonwealth Bank appeared by night during the visit. Both direct and flood lighting were used, the building as a whole being one of the most attractively dressed in the city. Sir Denison Miller acted as Chairman of the Martin Place and Moore Street Committee.

Setting the Scene

In 1920 the Prince of Wales visited Australia on behalf of his father King George V. The visit was to thank the Australian people, officially, for the sacrifices and contributions made during the First World War. The Prince visited many cities and towns across Australia and his popularity was such that he became known as the ‘digger prince’ – a great compliment from a nation who held its returned servicemen and women in such high regard.

On 17 June 1920, the Prince conducted the investiture for Denison Miller, who was knighted for his public service to Australia. His role as Governor of the Commonwealth Bank, and his dedication to public banking and to War finance, was also acknowledged. This event took place at Government House, Sydney, and was attended by the Governor-General, the Governor of New South Wales (Sir Walter Davidson) and other distinguished guests, including representatives from politics, the legal fraternity, the military and the Church. Senior staff of the Commonwealth Bank also attended.

While he was in Sydney, the Prince was also the guest of honour at a dinner, held in the Luncheon Hall of the Commonwealth Bank in Martin Place. He was greeted at the entrance to the Bank by the Governor-General (Sir Ronald Munro-Ferguson) and the first Governor of the Commonwealth Bank (Denison Miller).

A silent film showing staff of the Bank congratulating Denison Miller on the announcement of the knighthood can be viewed at: https://www.rba.gov.au/about-rba/history/anniversary/knighthood-video.html