REVIEW OF THE YEAR
In 1952 two events overshadowed all others in the history of Hong Kong, as of other parts of the Commonwealth-the death of His late Majesty King George VI and the accession to the throne of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The tragic news of the King's death, which reached Hong Kong about 7 o'clock on the evening of the sixth of February, cast a gloom on succeeding events and plunged the colony into deep and heartfelt mourn- ing. All cinemas and theatres were promptly closed and sports meetings and social functions were cancelled. During succeeding days memorial services were held by the various religious denominations and the large crowds which were unable to enter the packed churches, listened outside to services relayed by loudspeaker, signifying the very real esteem and affection in which the King was held.
Within a few months of the Queen's accession Hong Kong was privileged to receive a visit from Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, as a representa- tive of Her Majesty, and His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent. It was the first royal visit to Hong Kong since that of His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester in 1929, and it brought the greatest pleasure and encouragement to the whole colony. The royal party arrived by air and was met at Kai Tak by His Excellency the Governor and Lady Grantham and His Excellency the Commander British Forces in Hong Kong and Lady Airey. During their four day stay in the colony, during which they were the guests of Sir Alexander Grantham and Lady Grantham at Government House, Their Royal Hignesses undertook very full and comprehensive programmes of official and
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