President’s House remembers wallaby that died in 1920

THE President’s House, last Friday, remembered a wallaby that died on the premises 100 years ago. The animal belonged to then Prince of Wales, Prince Edward.

In a Facebook post on Friday afternoon, a photo of the grave and epitaph was posted with the caption, “In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the death of Digger. You were loved. You are remembered.”

Digger the Wallaby accompanied Prince Edward to a visit to the premises - then called Government House - on September 18, 1920. The prince was returning home after a world tour and received Digger as a gift in Australia. Unfortunately, after being set free to explore the garden, he ate a poisonous substance.

He was then buried on the premises and is honoured annually on the anniversary of his death. Cheryl Lala, the president’s communications adviser told Newsday, “He received a wallaby among other, animals including a cockatoo, emu chicks and parrots.

“Edward had served in WWI and was awarded the Military Cross in 1916. During his visit to Australia, crowds regularly shouted ‘digger’ throughout his visit. Digger is Australian slang for an Australian soldier.”

Edward was the eldest child of King George V, and went on to become King in 1936 until his abdication later that year to marry Wallis Simpson.