On February 2, 2025, Raj Bhavan in Mumbai once again played host to a member of the British Royal Family. The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward—the youngest son of Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh Prince
Philip, and the youngest sibling of King Charles III—met with Maharashtra’s Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan as part of a courtesy call.
Following the courtesy meeting, Prince Edward was given a tour of Raj Bhavan’s historically resonant sites, in the complex that has witnessed the transformation of the city and the State for over nearly 150 years.
A Storied Past at Raj Bhavan: Long before modern India emerged as a vibrant democracy, the heritage precinct now known a s Ra j Bhavan wa s onc e the Government House of Bombay. Its legacy stretches back to the days of British Raj, when the city was a crucial link in the imperial chain. 1875 – Show of Royal Strength: The first major visit by any member of the British Royal Family to Bombay took place in 1875. The then Prince of Wales, Albert Edward (later King Edward VII), was hosted by the
Bombay Governor Philip Wodehouse at the Government House located at Parel – the site that would later house the Haffkine Institute.
At that time, the Malabar Hill residence functioned as a summer retreat. His visit, coming in the aftermath of the 1857 uprising against Company rule, was designed to reinforce British influence and to ensure the support of Indian rulers and elites to the colonial administration. It was a show of strength to impress and influence the Indian audience.
Albert Edward, who celebrated his 34th birthday in Bombay, was showered with lavish gifts—jewelry, textiles, weapons, and fine decorative objects by the rulers of various principalities — gifts that would eventually find a home in the India Museum in London and later the V&A Museum.
Ahead of this visit, the Jal Vihar Hall of Malabar Hill Raj Bhavan —commonly known as the Banquet Hall—was expanded with the addition of a ballroom. The Jal Vihar Hall continues to host heads of State and heads of Government in its 150th year of construction. 1905 – A Royal Tour Amidst Changing Tides: In 1905, the Prince of Wales, George (the future King George V), visited Bombay as part of a grand tour of India that extended into 1906. His journey was both a display of British imperial power and an opportunity to strengthen bonds with Indian princes, elites, and the general public. Amidst rising nationalist sentiments, this visit was also a moment for the British to gauge the evolving political climate in the subcontinent.
The Prince was hosted in Raj Bhavan by the then Governor Lord Lamington 1911 – Coronation and the shifting of Capital: The year 1911 marked a significant moment when King George V and Queen Mary traveled to India to participate in the Delhi Durbar—a grand ceremonial gathering marking George V’s coronation as Emperor of India. With the capital shifted from Calcutta to Delhi that same year, the visit reafrmed British dominion over the subcontinent. A new Darbar Hall was constructed at the Government House in Mumbai in anticipation of the event. The Governor of Bombay who hosted the King and Queen during the royal visit on was George Sydenham Clarke.
1921 – A Visit Overshadowed by violence and nationalistic feelings: The 1921 visit by the then Prince of Wales, Edward Albert (later King Edward VIII), was intended to further the ties between Britain and India. However, the political atmosphere was charged with the favor of the Indian independence movement. Calls for a boycott by the Indian National Congress, led by Mahatma Gandhi as part of the NonCooperation Movement, resulted in Bombay observing a complete shutdown – a ‘Hartal’ – on the day of his arrival, 17th November 1921.
The ensuing clashes between the supporters of the visit and those demanding Swaraj led to violent clashes, tragic casualties, and a stark demonstration that public sentiment was shifting decisively against colonial spectacles.
Even then a Durbar was held at the Malabar Point residence of the Governor. The host Governor of Bombay was George Lloyd.
1961 – Queen Elizabeth’s Historic Visit: Fourteen years after India gained independence, Queen Elizabeth II made her first official visit to India. Invited as the Chief Guest at the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi in the year 1961, she and her consort, the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip, embarked on a month-long tour that symbolized a new era in indo-British relations Between February 23 and 25, 1961, the Queen and Prince Philip were hosted at Raj Bhavan by Maharashtra’s rst Governor after State formation, Sri Prakasa. The Queen’s itinerary included visits to the Aarey Colony, to the Mahalaxmi Racecourse to witness the matches, to the iconic Gateway of India en route to the Tarapore Atomic Power Plant, and even a specially organized fashion parade at Raj Bhavan. The grand reception accorded to the Queen and the Prince Philip at Santacruz Airport – with crowds lining the streets – heralded the arrival of a dignitary whose visit would pave the way for sustained friendship and cooperation.
1980 – Prince Charles and the Cultural Tapestry of Mumbai: In 1980, Prince of Wales Prince Charles, now King Charles III, set foot in Mumbai on a tour that reflected his genuine interest in India’s cultural heritage. His visit included a memorable stop at the Rajkamal Kalamandir film studio, where he met the renowned filmmaker V. Shantaram. A formal garden party was hosted for the Prince by then Maharashtra Governor Air Chief Marshal (retd) O P Mehra and his wife Satya Mehra at Raj Bhavan. Thespian Dilip Kumar was especially present.
Prince Charles’s visit fostered the bonds of his friendship with the diverse communities that make up Mumbai. During his visit to Mumbai in 2003, Prince Charles forged a bond of friendship with the dabbawalas. A Legacy of Change and Continuity: Each visit, whether marked by grand show of power and magnicence, protest, or genuine camaraderie, reflects a unique chapter in India’s journey – a journey that has shaped the nation’s identity. By Shri Umesh Kashikar, Raj Bhavan. Views are personal.
In the pictures in ascending order: 1. 1905 – Prince of Wales hosted at the Raj Bhavan. 2. 1961 – Fashion Show at Raj Bhavan for Queen Elizebeth II and Prince Phillip. 3. Prince Edward was given a tour of Raj Bhavan by Shri Umesh Kashikar, PRO
