The skies were leaden, and there was a heavy drizzle of rain, but townsfolk refused to let the weather dampen their high spirits on April 30.

"The reception given by the crowds lining the procession route gave no doubt about the kindly loyalty of Wearsiders and their affection for the young Princess," reported the Echo.

Princess Elizabeth was tasked with two royal duties to perform during that first visit to Sunderland – the opening of a new hospital, and the launching of an historic ship.

Her first port of call was the new Eye Infirmary, where she toured the facilities and chatted with patients, including a 13-year-old boy recovering from a squint operation.

Ralph Blackett, of Bishop Auckland, was lying in a bed with both eyes bandaged when the Princess stopped in the middle of her tour to talk with him.

"The sympathetic nature of the Princess was displayed," the Echo commented. "She asked him 'How are you getting on?' and he replied, brightly, 'I am fine, thank you.'"

Other patients who spent time with the Princess included Thomas Howe of Castletown, Charles Peggs from Cleveland and Elsie Robinson, of West Hartlepool

Mrs Robinson admitted afterwards: "I was so flustered I could not remember how long I had been in hospital when she asked me. She told me she hoped I would soon be well."

The Princess officially opened the Infirmary, which had been paid for by donations from people across the North East, during a ceremony held in the hospital's hall.

Speaking in a "clear voice that could easily be heard at the back," according to the Echo, she told the guests: "It gives me great pleasure to be here today and undertake the opening of this splendid institution. I wish it, its staff and patients every success and I now declare it open."

Sadly, although the Princess expressed a wish to visit the Children's Ward, it proved not to be possible – as the unit had been isolated due to a case of chicken pox. Eye injury patient Jimmie Morton, five, of Humbledon, later told an Echo reporter he was very disappointed about not seeing the Princess, and added:

"It would have been nice to speak to her. She did not come in this ward, but I saw her walking down the passage and I will tell my daddy she asked after me."

Nurses formed a guard of honour as the Princess left the Infirmary and, although needing an umbrella to keep off the rain, she lifted it high to allow an Echo snapper to take pictures.

The Princess' second port of call of the day was the shipyard of Sir James Laing, where a crowd of 6,000 created a sea of umbrellas as they gathered to welcome her.

"Princess Elizabeth walked through the yard amid terrific cheering. She was carrying a bouquet and smiled and waved to the workmen en route," reported the Echo.

Her Royal Highness had been invited to visit Laing's to launch a very special ship – the firm's 770th vessel, British Princess.

And her appearance obviously caused a stir, with workers clambering onto machines, cranes and even ships under construction to gain a good vantage point.

"As soon as she reached the launching platform, workmen began to knock away the first chocks beneath the vessel," the Echo told its readers.

"Five minutes before the launch was due, the British Princess was leaving the stocks, having been named by the Princess. There was applause as she gracefully entered the water.

"Workmen threw their hats into the air as she entered the water. The sirens and buzzers of ships in the river sounded in a triumphant chorus."