Pictured here on 24th May 1977, is the Queen Mother at Blantyre’s David Livingstone Centre (now rebranded David Livingstone Birthplace). The tour followed her visit to open the Africa Pavilions, which had been built earlier that springtime.
It was likely a memorable visit for the Royal mum, for she had been there 48 years earlier, in her time as Duchess of York, when she had opened the David Livingstone Centre in 1929, in front of crowds of 12,000 people. She took time to stop and chat to many people, especially children and listened with great interest to officials.
Whilst the crowds were smaller in 1977, I have distinct memories of her black car going along Glasgow Road and like many families, standing on the pavements hoping to catch a glimpse of her. Station Road was similarly busy with people waiting for the royal visitor. The Queen mother later left by helicopter from the grounds.