File:Federation fireworks for the Duke and Duchess of York in Brisbane in 1901 (7220283444).jpg

The Duke of York (son of King Edward VII) visited Australia in May 1901 to open the first Parliament in the newly-constituted Commonwealth of Australia. The federation of Australia was the process by which the six separate British self-governing colonies of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia formed one nation. They kept the systems of government that they had developed as separate colonies but also would have a federal government that was responsible for matters concerning the whole nation. When the Constitution of Australia came into force, on 1 January 1901, the colonies collectively became states of the Commonwealth of Australia. The opening ceremony took place in Melbourne, Victoria and then the royal party travelled up to Brisbane in Queensland for further celebrations over a 5 day period. A newspaper article in 1927 related the royal visit of 1901 and this is a small snippet of what was written regarding the Brisbane reception: "After opening Parliament, the Duke and Duchess of York came on to Brisbane. Their stay in Queensland was only of five day's duration but what a wonderful five days they were! They reached Brisbane on Monday May 20. Each moment was crowded with interest. Brisbane was en fete and no trouble or expense was spared in the direction of lavish decoration and brialliant illumination. Although the Royal Party came by train from the South, the official landing in Brisbane, as befitted a sailor Prince, was made from the water, for which purpose their Ryal Highnesses and suite embarked on the Government steam yacht Lucinda at the Domain Wharf, having had a good rest after their arduous railway journey. The embarkation was of a strictly private character. Even the time of arrival of the train was kept a close secret. On the morning of May 21 a private display was given by 5000 school children in Government House Domain, and later the public were admitted. In the afternoon the Duke and Duchess proceeded by the yacht Lucinda to Lytton, and reviewed the troops in camp there, after which His Royal Highness distributed the medals won by Queenslanders in the South African war. A State dinner was held at Government House in the evening, followed by a unique entertainment in the shape of a blackfellows corroboree in the Domain, to which the public were not admitted. On the Wednesday His Royal Highness performed the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Anglican Cathedral in the morning and in the afternoon the Royal guests attended the National Association's Exhibition at Bowen Park. The evening's programme included a splendid display of fireworks in the Domain.