Ceylon Independence (1948)

Unissued / unissued material. Colombo, Ceylon (Sri Lanka). The Duke of Gloucester (Prince Henry) and Duchess of Gloucester attend the official flag-raising ceremony in Colombo, marking independence of Ceylon. L/S pandal archway decorated with coconuts and bearing placards of welcome to the Duke and Duchess. C/U coconuts and pineapples. L/S Duke’s aeroplane arriving. Troops lined up on the airfield. L/S plane taxiing in, a truck alongside. C/U plane showing name “Endeavour“. M/S the Duke and Duchess walking away from the plane and receiving salute. They are greeted by the Governor General of Ceylon, Sir Henry Monkmore and Lady Monkmore. Various shots meeting Ceylonese ministers with plane in background. L/S Duke and Duchess inspecting the RAF Guard of Honour. L/S the RAF march past. General views of coastline with palms and fishing boats. L/S inside the Assembly Hall, Duke of Gloucester on the platform. L/S crowd outside. Exterior shot of the Assembly Hall. M/S the Duke rises to speak