Sir Freeman Freeman-Thomas, 1st Marquess of Willingdon of Ratton, county Sussex, Viscount Ratendone of Willingdon, county Sussex, Baron Willingdon of Ratton, county Sussex, and Viscount Willingdon (1926-31) What a title, eh? Anyway, Lord Willingdon was born in England in 1866. As Dominions were now equal to the Great Britain, Lord Willingdon was the first to represent the Crown and act on the advice of Canadian ministers rather than for the British Government. Many official visits were made during this time, the Prince of Wales and Prince George along with the British Prime Minister visited Canada in 1927 for the Diamond Jubilee of Canada (60 years). Lord Willingdon also made visits to the United States, meating the Canadian Minister to Washington (ambassador, now) and future Governor General, Vincent Massey as well as the President of the United States. He was appointed Viceroy of India in 1931 and returned to England in 1936. He died in 1941.
Sir Vere Brabazon Ponsonby, 9th Earl of Bessborough (1931-1935) Lord Bessborough was born in London in 1880. Apart from the Great Depression, communication began in Canada. His installation was the first to be broadcast nationally by radio. He inaugurated the first trans-Canada phone system and the CBC was created. Lord Bessborough traveled Canada and saw the ravages of the Great Depression and was admired their dignity during the economic depression. George V had agreed to the Governor General not representing the British Parliament with the 1931 Statute of Westminster and a new standard was flown designed for Canada. He opened many institutions around Canada. He returned to England in 1935. He returned to Canada for a visit in 1955 and died in England in 1956.
