On 6 January 1927, the Duke and Duchess of York sailed from Portsmouth for Australia and New Zealand, where the Duke was to open the Commonwealth Parliament in Canberra, the new Australian capital. Princess Elizabeth was just over eight months old.

Princess Elizabeth was taken to four sittings with Adams during her parents’ six-month absence. The photographs from these sittings were sent to the Duke and Duchess, enabling them to see their daughter’s development and to be assured of her well-being.