Who was the MTR opened by? MTR website just says Murray Maclehose, but I do seem to remember pictures of I think HM the late Queen riding in the cab..?
Governor Murray Maclehose was onboard the very first train that ran between Kwun Tong and Shek Kip Mei. You can see him boarding the train in this video at 2:35 minutes.
Does the picture below match your memory? Princess Alexandra tried driving her Royal train from Yaumati to Shatin when she visited Hong Kong on November 10, 1961.
I was there, and remember Princess Alexandra was present. Although I didn't personally see her, she was prominent in the newspaper and television coverage.
I found this document in MTR archives describing her attending the opening of the MRT modified initial system 12 Feb 1980. I see where there is also a plaque in Central Station attesting to this fact.
The plaque is in the entrance connected to The Landmark with twin blast doors. I wonder when was the last time it got polished. The words had become very difficult to read.
The Queen visited HK in 1975…
The Queen visited HK in 1975 and 1986. Neither match the opening of the MTR in 1979.
Her 1975 visit included a visit to Hung Hom railway station. Could that be the scene you remember?
Re: Princess Alexandra
Hi There,
This wiki entry cited it was likely Princess Alexandra in February 1980. Cannot find any history page from within the MTR website though.
T
Murray Maclehose
Governor Murray Maclehose was onboard the very first train that ran between Kwun Tong and Shek Kip Mei. You can see him boarding the train in this video at 2:35 minutes.
Does the picture below match…
Does the picture below match your memory? Princess Alexandra tried driving her Royal train from Yaumati to Shatin when she visited Hong Kong on November 10, 1961.
Photo source: Uwants forum
Re: KCR locomotive 58
Hi there,
That photo was way before the MTR materialized.
T
Princess Alexandra Attends MTR Opening
I was there, and remember Princess Alexandra was present. Although I didn't personally see her, she was prominent in the newspaper and television coverage.
I found this document in MTR archives describing her attending the opening of the MRT modified initial system 12 Feb 1980. I see where there is also a plaque in Central Station attesting to this fact.
MTR 25 years of serving Hong Kong and beyond
https://www.mtr.com.hk/archive/corporate/en/investor/2004frpt_e/F102.pdf
Re: Plaque in Central Station
Hi there,
The plaque is in the entrance connected to The Landmark with twin blast doors. I wonder when was the last time it got polished. The words had become very difficult to read.
T
The plaque reads:
The Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway
was opened by
Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra
on 12th February 1980
香港地下鐵路建成
荷蒙
雅麗珊郡主主持啟
用典禮爰鑴吉金以
紀其盛
地下鐵路公司謹識
一九八O年二月十二日
This link showed an older photo of it when it was quite new. The same link also showed other related plaques along the stations\lines.
Here's a photo of Princess…
Here's a photo of Princess Alexandra in connection with the MTR opening ceremony 1980-02-12.