There were 212 letters exchanged between Australia’s Governor-General Sir John Kerr and Buckingham Palace between 15 August 1974 through to 5 December 1977. Up until now these have remained private, but there release casts the spotlight on a time marked by multiculturalism and political turbulence.
The letters are especially unique as they include a focus on the dismissal of former Labor prime minister Gough Whitlam, an icon in the eyes of many immigrants – especially Greeks. His unprecedented love for Greek culture had never before been shown by any Australian prime minister and his dismissal came as a blow to the multicultural community which benefited from his social policies.
The letters included numerous attachments such as newspaper clippings, press releases, articles, speeches and booklets. A small number of telegrams are also included. Most of these were between the Governor-General and Sir Martin Charteris, Private Secretary to the Queen. The Private Secretary passed the material to the Queen and usually responded on her behalf.
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The Kerr Palace Letters provide an insight into:
- the personalities and events of the time
- political developments and public sentiment in Australia
- the workings of the Australian Government and Parliament
- the official duties and responsibilities of the Governor-General
- the relationship between the Palace, the Queen’s Private Secretary and the Governor-General
- constitutional issues, including the dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in 1975.