Duke of Edinburgh’s visit

By Mustafa Suleman

Sir Herman Lebus wrote to Buckingham Palace in 1954 to explore the idea of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh visiting the Lebus factory in Tottenham to open the new sports pavilion, which was being constructed on the north side of Ferry Lane.

As President of the National Playing Fields Association, Prince Philip initially dismissed the idea due to a heavy programme but promised to send a letter to Sir Herman that could be read out when the sports pavilion was unveiled. Prince Philip did however add that he would certainly consider a visit later on, this led to correspondence to and from Buckingham Palace to organise a suitable programme and date.

The visit finally took place on Thursday 10th November, 1955 and was worth the wait, it included a tour of the factory as well as the new sports pavilion. During the tour is was suggested to Price Philip that the men in the factory would like to make some modern model furniture for Princess Anne, his Royal Highness agreed; however the young Princess did not have a doll’s house…