America’s First Royal Visit Remembered for World’s Most Famous Picnic

The visit of Price Charles and his wife Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall, to the United States during the first week of November recalls the remarkable visit 66 years earlier by Prince Charles’ grandparents, King George and Queen Elizabeth, to the Hyde Park home of then-President Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. The visit was remarkable for what was choreographed for public consumption and, more importantly, for the groundwork which was laid in private to keep Britain afloat until the United States could enter the war.

Occurring in June, 1939, with war in Europe only eleven weeks away, this first visit to the United States by the inheritor of a British throne the Americans had previously overthrown, was lost on no one. However, the King and Queen were enthusiastically greeted as representatives of America’s great friend Britain, which was seen as a steadfast democracy, ally, and geographical buffer in a world being torn apart by fascism.

Franklin, Eleanor and the President’s famously imperious mother, Sara Delano Roosevelt, greeted the royal couple in the library of the Hyde Park, New York Roosevelt home. The location for the meeting was chosen so the spin doctors of those days could create a scene of powerful leaders enjoying a relaxed weekend, devoid of formalities, and portrayed as “just plain folk.”

Prior to the visit, Sara Roosevelt’s friends asked if she would redecorate the house for the royal visit. Sara, letting her friends know she considered herself considerably more majestic then her royal guests responded, “Of course not! They’re not coming to see a redecorated house, they’re coming to see my house.”

A matter of constant tension between FDR and his mother was the presence of alcohol in their Hyde Park mansion. While Sara had long forbade alcohol in her home, Franklin liked his evening cocktails. Even after becoming president, he and his staff would have their evening drinks inside a closet in Hyde Park, causing riotous scenes in which they pretended they were outwitting the President’s mother.

However, for this first royal visit, FDR had prepared a tray with cocktails. As usual, Sara objected, however, her equally strong-willed son won the day. Offering the newly arrived King a cocktail, the President confided to the King, “My mother does not approve of cocktails and thinks you ought to have a cup of tea.” In response, the King noted, “Neither does my mother.” The two immediately raised their glasses for a quick toast.

In keeping with the relaxed mood of the weekend, a picnic was scheduled for the royal couple. This Hyde Park picnic, however, was soon to be labeled the most famous picnic in all history.

The theme of the picnic was to be middle-America. American music was performed, Negro spirituals sung, and even American Indians danced. Additionally, in an exaggerated display of democracy-in-action, places were set at the outdoor tables for all of the Roosevelt house staff and their families, ranging from groomsmen working in the barns, to chamber maids and chauffeurs. Even an uninvited neighbor managed to crash the party and find a seat.

This picnic became historic, however, when dinner was served. To the horror of Sara Roosevelt, Eleanor chose to serve the King and Queen of England hot dogs on buns to be eaten with royal hands, not sterling silver place settings.

Playing this break with protocol for all it was worth, FDR had his son, Franklin Jr., present the Queen a hot dog on a bun placed royally on a silver tray. Once the laughter subsided, the Queen whispered to the President, “How do you eat it?” “Very simple,” FDR responded. “Push it into your mouth and keep pushing it until it is all gone.”

The following morning’s headlines in newspapers on both sides of the Atlantic echoed page one of The New York Times stating, “King Eats Hot Dog, Asks for More.”

While all was relaxed fun in public, behind the scenes the President and young King spoke bluntly about Britain’s ability to survive the coming German onslaught. They spoke of the material assistance the United States would provide Britain and the President went so far as to assure the King that the United States would join the war if the mighty German air force dared bomb London.

Alone, the President and King sat at the fireplace in the Hyde Park living room late into the night. At the conclusion of the evening the President did the unthinkable to the King of England; he slapped the King on his knee and, calling him young man, suggested he go to bed.

Back in England, the King confided to a friend, “Why can’t my ministers speak to me in such a fashion?”

In any event, the hot dog picnic helped to draw Americans closer to an embattled Britain, as personified by the young King and Queen. It also created what became a life-saving bond between the institutions and people of Great Britain and the American President as the world entered one of its darkest hours.