The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1885-04-11 00:00:00

THE ROYAL VISIT TO IRELAND.

ghe long-looked for and eminently opportune
visit of Royalty to the land of the shamrock is now
being paid, and the Heir Apparent to tthe English
Crown, accompanied by his incomparable and uni-
versally beloved Princess, are enjoying the warm
hospitality of Erin. Their Royal Highnesses, accom-
panied by Prince Albert Victor, left Marlborough
House on Tuesday evening. At five minutes to six
the gates leading to the courtyard were thrown open,
and four carriages emerged, and proceeded at a rapid
pace up St. James's-street, amid cheers from the
spectators. The Prince and Princess, who with their
son occupied the first carriage, bowed in response to
the cheers. In the other vehicles were Lieut.-Gen.
Sir Dighton Probyn, Comptroller and Treasurer of
his Royal Highness's Household; Lord Suffield, Lord
in Waiting; Mr. A. P. Cockerell and Colonel Arthur
Ellis, Grooms in Waiting; Mr. Francis Knollys,
private secretary to his Royal Highness; and Lady
Emily Kingscote, in attendance on her Royal
Highness, these forming the suite travelling with the
Royal party. In Euston-road and Euston-square a
large concourse of people had assembled, and as
their Royal Highnesses drove up they were received
with hearty cheers, Which were taken up all along
the line, and culminated in an enthusiastic outburst
as the Prince stepped from his carriage at the station.
The train consisted of seven carriages, including the
two vans, and was fitted throughout with electric
communication, and lighted with gas. The Royal
saloon, newly constructed and furnished in luxurious
style, was alone 42 feet in length, and included day
and sleeping compartments, in addition to which
there was a ladies' room and compartments for the
equerries and attendants. The day compartment is
fitted with walnut panels and Hungarian ash mouldings
trimmed in rich brown silk rep, the chairs and
couches being covered with the same material, and
nothing was neglected that could promote safety,
speed, or comfort. Only a few ladies and other
privileged persons were admitted to the reserved
poriion of the departure platform. Among those who
went to the station to see the Royal party leave were
the Duke of Cambridge, Prince Edward of Saxe-
Weimar, Colonel the Hon. 0. Montagu, and General
Higginson. The Prince and Princess of Wales were
received, at the east platform by Lord Richard
Grosvenor, M.P., and Mr. 0. L. Stephen, directors;
Mr. G. Findlay, the general manager; and Mr. G. P.
Neele, the traffic superintendent of the London and
North-Western Railway. The Prince and Princess
of Wales, who were in excellent spirits, remained for
a short time upon the platform conversing with their
friends, and while thus engaged were joined by the
Duke of Edinburgh. Lord Richard Grosvenor and
Mr. 0. L. Stephen also travelled by the train, which,
under the charge of Mr. G. P. Neele and Mr. Bore,
and amid the cheers of the spectators, quitted Euston
at 6 15 punctually, and proceeded vid Rugby to
Crewe, the Prince and Princess dining in the saloon
en route. The train was arranged to run from Crewe
to Holyhead, a distance of 105 miles, without stopping,
the whole distance of 265 miles, from Euston to
Holyhead, being accomplished in six hours, including
the two stoppages at Rugby and Crewe.