Exquisite pair of vintage matte-finish portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip: the Elizabeth photo by Dorothy Wilding shows the queen seated and wearing a strapless dress with the Riband and Star of the Order of the Garter, a Lesser George at the waist, and the Diamond Diadem crown, signed on the original 7 x 9.5 studio mount in fountain pen, "Elizabeth R, 1954"; the Philip photo by Baron Studios (Sterling Henry Nahum) portrays the prince in a handsome seated pose attired in his Admiral of the Fleet uniform, signed on the original 7 x 9.5 studio mount in fountain pen, "Philip, 1954." Both are in their original leather presentation frames by H. H. Plante of London, with handsome gilt-stamped royal crests at the top; both backings are missing their easel-style stands, with one detached stand included. In fine condition, with some light silvering to the edges of the Philip image.
Accompanied by a letter of provenance noting that these were presented to the official press officer for the royal couple's first visit to Australia during their eight-week tour in February-April 1954; they have remained in the family's possession since that time. This represented Australia's first visit by a reigning monarch, and was one of the first royal tours of the newly crowned HRH Queen Elizabeth II. A marvelous pairing of royal portraits, presented during a historic visit for Australia and Queen Elizabeth herself.
