Royal Range

The Royal Group (82J)

This very spectacular range rises some 6,500 vertical feet from the Palliser River which lies below its eastern cliffs and then turns west around the south end of the group. Queen Mary Creek and the headwaters of the Albert River lie to the west and north.

Mount Back appears on Palliser's map but it is not likely that this peak is what he was referring to. He may have meant the name to apply to the Royal Group, an outstanding range that he would likey have spotted during his travels.

George Pocaterra was one of the first to see and appreciate this magnificent group. He was so impressed that he contacted the Geographer General and sent photos to his office.

In Volume I of the Interprovincial Boundary Survey, Arthur Wheeler described the Royal Group as, "a very remarkable group of mountains comprising seven distinct peaks, the highest having a altitude of 11,226 fee; it is much in evidence, and its towers and precipitous walls, its glaciers and outlying ridges dominate the landscape from all dirctions. It was first noticed by the Topographical division from Wonder Peak, close to Mount Assiniboine, and the name of Mount King George was then given to the highest summit. The Commissioners now suggest that the title of 'The Royal Group' be applied to this collection of peaks and that the names of the Royal Family be placed upon its several summits. . ."

The names for these peaks chosen by the Interprovincial Boundary Survey were those of the British King and Queen of the day as well as their five children: King George, Queen Mary, Prince Edward, Prince George, Prince Henry, Prince John, Prince Albert, and Princess Mary.