Singapore marked her first royal visitors of the 20th century with the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York on Sunday, 21 April 1901. Reported in ‘The Straits Times’ the following day, the royal couple—the future King George V and Queen Mary—had in fact arrived at the Tanjong Pagar Dock Company earlier than expected, but due to an unexpected delay in loading onto the royal barge, the royal couple arrived at Johnston’s Pier somewhat behind schedule. This probably explains why the two men in white uniforms andpith helmets can be seen in a hurried rush towards the crowd on the right.
