Wearside was gripped by Royal fever when Princess Elizabeth came to Sunderland 80 years ago today.
The future Queen Elizabeth II was in town to launch the tanker British Princess.
Huge crowds gathered at the shipyard of Sir James Laing and Sons in Deptford in April 1946 and here are those scenes once more.
Take a look as the Royal favourite met with civic dignitaries but also spared time to send best wishes and smiles to the public.
It was a rainy day in town, as our Sunderland Echo photo memories show, but they remain reminders of a wonderful day in Wearside’s history.
Tell us which part of Sunderland history you would like to see us feature next by emailing [email protected]
5. Ready for the launch
This was the scene at the riverside as crowds watched the launch of the tanker, British Princess at Laings. | se
6. The big moment
Photographers capture the moment as Princess Elizabeth launches the ship while a huge crowd watches. | se
7. A smile for the crowds
Her Royal Highness gave a smile for happy Wearsiders as she left the Deptford shipyard of Sir James Laing and Sons | se
8. Leaving Wearside
A last goodbye to Sunderland as the princess leaves Deptford following a busy day of appointments. | se