On 6 January 1927 Princess Elizabeth's parents, the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth), sailed from Portsmouth for Australia and New Zealand, where the Duke was to open the Commonwealth Parliament in Canberra, the new Australian capital. They were to be away for six months. Princess Elizabeth was taken to four sittings with Adams during her parents' absence. The photographs from these sittings - including this portrait of the Princess - were sent to the Duke and Duchess, enabling them to see their daughter's development and to be assured of her well-being.