Queen Elizabeth II is escorted by Massachusetts Gov. Michael S. Dukakis past honor guard as she arrives at Boston's Coast Guard Base on her yacht Britannia on Sunday, July 11, 1976. Boston is the last stop on her Bicentennial visit to America. (AP Photo) (Associated Press)
By Boston 25 News Staff
BOSTON — News of Queen Elizabeth II passing at the age of 96 will have many in Boston reminiscing about her visit to the city in 1976 to help celebrate the U.S. Bicentennial.
A report at the time from The New York Times says “Queen Elizabeth II spent her last day in the United States in this city with its Revolutionary past and heavily Irish present. She was received with applause by large, friendly crowds and restrained protest by a relatively small number of demonstrators.”
The Times says Queen Elizabeth was greeted by a 21-gun salute from the Old Ironsides, before making stops in the North End with Governor Michael Dukakis, and at City Hall for a lunch with Mayor Kevin White.
According to The New York Times, Elizabeth said in a speech at the old State House that it was not far from Boston “that ‘it all began.”
She was “very moved” by her welcome, she said.
“We have enjoyed tremendously joining with the people of America and celebrations of the Bicentenary,” she said. “We are deeply grateful for the kindness with which we have been welcomed everywhere, not least here in Boston.” according to the Times report.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu reflected on the queen’s 1976 visit in a post to social media on Thursday.
“Boston mourns the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, whose grace & steadfast leadership have inspired generations around the world. Our hearts are with her family, loved ones & the people of the UK,” said Mayor Wu.
A gallery of the visit to Boston by Queen Elizabeth II is below.
Queen Elizabeth visit to Boston in 1976 Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are as they attend special service at Old North Church in Boston, Mass., Sunday, July 11, 1976. It is the first visit of a reigning British monarch to Massachusetts. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Queen Elizabeth II visit to Boston in 1976 Queen Elizabeth and Gov. Michael Dukakis. 7/11/1976 Photo by Ted Dully (Boston Globe)
Queen Elizabeth II visit to Boston in 1976 Boston, MA - 7/11/1976: Queen Elizabeth II (left), joined by (from left) Mayor Kevin White, his wife Kathryn Galvin White, and Kitty Dukakis, on her visit to Boston, July 11, 1976. (Ted Dully/Globe Staff) --- BGPA Reference: 170106_EF_004 (Ted Dully/Globe Staff/Boston Globe)
Queen Elizabeth II visit to Boston in 1976 Queen Elizabeth II of Britain greets Secretary of Commerce Elliot Richardson, left, at a reception on Sunday, July 11, 1976 aboard the MHY Britannia in Boston. At right is Prince Philip. The reigning British monarch was making her first visit to Massachusetts. (AP Photo) (Anonymous/ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Queen Elizabeth II visit to Boston in 1976 Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip view spectators below from balcony of the Old State House on Sunday, July 11, 1976 in Boston before the Queen descended to street level to address the crowd. The location is the site of the Boston massacre, an event which led to the Revolutionary War. (AP Photo) (Associated Press)
Queen Elizabeth II visit to Boston in 1976 (Anonymous/AP)
Queen Elizabeth II visit to Boston in 1976 Queen Elizabeth II is escorted by Massachusetts Gov. Michael S. Dukakis past honor guard as she arrives at Boston's Coast Guard Base on her yacht Britannia on Sunday, July 11, 1976. Boston is the last stop on her Bicentennial visit to America. (AP Photo) (Associated Press)
Queen Elizabeth II visit to Boston in 1976 Queen Elizabeth II flanked by Mayor and Mrs. Kevin White arrives on July 11, 1976 at Boston City Hall for a luncheon. Behind the Queen some of the crowd demonstrated with placards urging an end to British control over Northern Ireland. Police estimated the crowd at 100,000 in the City Hall plaza. The British royal family is visiting Boston for the day. (AP Photo) (Associated Press)
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.