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Synopsis :

Radio and Television Singapore's News Division compiles a round-up of Queen Elizabeth II's three-day official visit to Singapore between 18-20 February 1972.

The report covers her arrival in Singapore and her itinerary including the Singapore officials she has met. The Queen sails into Singapore on board the royal yacht, Britannia accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and their daughter, Princess Anne. She receives a warm reception from President Sheares and First Lady, and is accorded the royal salute from the Guard of Honour. On hand is the minister in attendance, Othman Wok. She next meets Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and Mrs Lee, and then other officials. The Queen's itinerary include:

1. The first appointment, a courtesy call at the istana on President Sheares and First Lady.

2. A visit Toa Payoh satellite town, to let her have sight of 'the care and life of the people of Singapore'.

3. On the first night, President Sheares hosts a state banquet for the royal visitors. Following the  banquet, she witnesses 'a sample of the varied culture of Singapore - the Malay silat, Indian dance and the Chinese flag dance.

4. The following day, the Queen visits Jurong, and is briefed by Woon Wah Siang, Chairman, Jurong Town Corporation. She and the Duke plant a tree each on Jurong Hill to commemorate their visit to Jurong. A visit to Bird Park also allows her tohave a view of a man-made waterfall. She visits a British factory, the Crown Cork.

5. At SAFTI, the Queen is briefed on Singapore's 'matters of defence' by Dr Goh Keng Swee, Minister of Defence. She witnesses a mock battle.

6. The Queen visits Nanyang University, while the Duke of Edinburgh is welcome at the University of Singapore by Dr Toh Chin Chye, the Vice Chancellor. Princess Anne meets the pupils of Swiss Cottage Primary School.

7. The Duke and the Princess visit the People's Association to learn how the various community centres work in Singapore. A highlight of their visit is a lion dance performance.

8. The royal visitors watch a Cantonese opera 'Madam White Snake' at the Kereta Ayer People's Theatre. PM and Mrs Lee accompany them.

9. The royal visitors take a night walk along Pagoda Street, accompanied by Dr Goh Keng Swee, MP for Kreta Ayer. PM Lee bought flowers for the Queen at one stall. The 15-minute walk ends at Sri Mariamman Temple.

10. On Sunday, the Royal Family attend service at St Andrew's Cathedral. They are greeted by the Bishop of Singapore, Chew Ban It, and the Vicar Reverend Weller. E W Barker, Minister for law and National Development is present at the service.

11. They next visit the Botanic Gardens. The Queen has sight of a yellow and green dendobrium named after her.

12. The Queen and family 'go to the races' at the SingaporeTurf Club. A highlight of her visit is a special race for Queen Elizabeth II Cup run over 11 furlongs. The Queen presents the Cup to the winning horse, Jumbo Jet No 1.

13. The Queen gives a banquet on board the Britannia followed by a reception. President and Mrs Sheares, PM and Mrs Lee lead the invited quests. After the reception, the royal yacht sets sail ending the Queen's official visit to Singapore.

The report adds that the Queen's visit may 'last only 3 days, but has reinforced ties between Britain and Singapore' a relationship which is 'forged 153 years ago'.

The report also notes that large crowds of people line roads wait and watch for the royal guests, at Toa Payoh, Pagoda Street, St Andrews, Turf Club and at East Lagoon to bid the Queen and family farewell.