TODAY IN HISTORY: Charles and sons visit

In 1743, George Frideric Handel’s oratorio, “The Messiah” had its London premiere. The first performance of the work had taken place in Dublin the previous year. During the “Hallelujah Chorus” at the London performance, King George II rose excitedly to his feet. The audience followed suit and a tradition was born.

In 1752, the “Halifax Gazette,” Canada’s first newspaper, began publishing weekly. It lasted until 1766 when it was suspended for criticizing the Stamp Act and was replaced by the “Nova Scotia Gazette.”

In 1944, Montreal Canadiens forward Maurice Richard scored all five goals in a 5-1 Stanley Cup playoff win over Toronto.

In 1944, Germany took control of Romania during the Second World War.

In 1973, the 20,000-tonne freighter “Anita” disappeared without a trace in the Bermuda Triangle.

In 1985, singer Billy Joel married Christie Brinkley. The Sports Illustrated swimsuit model co-starred in his “Uptown Girl” video. They divorced in 1994.

In 1998, “Titanic” sank the competition at the 70th Academy Awards. It won 11 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Canadian-born director James Cameron. Its theme song, “My Heart Will Go On,” won best original song and was a huge hit for Canada’s Celine Dion.

In 1998, Prince Charles and sons Harry and William arrived in Vancouver for a week-long, mainly recreational visit.