The Royal Wedding and the Duke of Sussex
When Prince Harry married Meghan Markle the couple were given the titles ‘Duke and Duchess of Sussex’. Did you know there is a fascinating, largely overlooked, story behind these titles?

The Museum of Australian Democracy acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.
The museum respectfully acknowledges the role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to play in shaping Australia’s democracy.
xCloseWhen Prince Harry married Meghan Markle the couple were given the titles ‘Duke and Duchess of Sussex’. Did you know there is a fascinating, largely overlooked, story behind these titles?
In 1965 Queen Elizabeth gave Sir Robert Menzies a gift so special that he had to contemplate burying it on a beach. What was it?
At first glance this mug looks perfectly ordinary but this object has an extraordinary story to tell.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has reversed the decision of his predecessor, Tony Abbott, to reintroduce knighthoods and damehoods and has removed them from the Australian honours system.
Rupert Loof served as Clerk Assistant of the Senate from 1942 to 1955 and was Clerk from 1955 to 1965.
Be Prepared. That was probably the motto of the entire population of provisional Parliament House during the countdown to the Queen’s arrival on 15 February 1954.
There are some events that are imprinted indelibly in our minds. For me, the first visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Australia 60 years ago still conjures up vivid memories—I saw her not once, but three times!
David Muir was born in 1928 and grew up in Canberra. He was a carpenter and joiner in the provisional Parliament House.
…I started to develop the exhibition and gradually, very gradually, the objects began to speak of the excitement, anticipation and pure devotion that was the summer of 1954 and the Queen’s eight week tour of Australia.
I remember we lined the streets for what seemed like hours. We were very hot in our serge school uniforms but it was very exciting. Finally the Queen was on her way and we were rewarded with the sight of the black roof of the Royal Car as she passed by.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be in Australia from 19-28 October. While her visit will culminate in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting to be held in Perth, the itinerary for the Queen and her husband Prince Phillip is a busy one, and in just eight days they will spend time and attend official functions in Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne.