On October 27, 1977, Prince Charles of Wales was in California as part of a nationwide visit. While in Los Angeles, he came to JPL and was given a tour by Director Bruce Murray. As a highlight of the royal visit, Prince Charles sent a direct command to one of the Voyager spacecraft, millions of miles away from Earth, on its journey to Jupiter. Prince Charles also conversed briefly with the JPL Deep Space Network station in Australia.
For more information about Bruce Murray, the Deep Space Network, or the 1977 visit of Prince Charles, please contact the JPL Archives