The Sun.
London, England, 1851-07-07 00:00:00

JULY 7, 1851.

THE QUEEN'S STATE VISIT TO

HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

A state visit was paid on Saturday by the Queen and
Prince Albert and their suite to htr Majesty's 'lneatre,
on which occasion her Majesty was plea.od to command
the performance of Thalberg's new opera I lorinda, the
production of which on Thursday at this theatre had
been honoured by her Majesty's presence. Long before
seven o'clock the whole hue of the route let:Cling from
Buckingham Palace to the theatre was lined by spec-
tators, the crowd being more dense is the neighbour-
hood of the theatre. The utmost order and decorum was,
however, observed. There were numerous bodies of police
stationed along the line of route, and a guard of honour
of the foot guards was stationed at the Royal entrance,
of the theatre and in the vestibule to receive her 11...1sjcsty.
At a quarter before eight o'clock her Majesty and Prince
Albert, in the state carriage, attended by her suite in
eight other of the royal carriages, and escorted by a troop
of Horse Guards, arrived at the royal entrance to the
theatre. In the state carriage with her Majesty and
Prince Albert were the Duchess of Norfolk, us Mistress
of the Robes, and the Duke of Norfolk, as Master of the
Horse.

The arrival of the royal party was the signal for a
hearty burst of cheering from the assembled multitude.
Her M ajesty was received at the royal entrance by
the director of the opera, Benjamin Lumley, Esq., and
by Captain Robinson, of the lion. Artillery Company,
the treasurer of the establishment. Tne Royal Chamber-
lain preceded the royal party with wax lights, in mas-
sive silver candlesticks, in his hands, walking backward.
Her Majesty then passed rapidly up the stairs, which
were profusely decorated with flowering plants in full
blossom, and evergreens of the richest description, to the
tiring-room, whence, having been divested of her carriage
costume, she proceeded to the royal box. Within the thea-
tre the preparations for the reception of her Majesty were
on a scale of unusual splendour, and were characterised by
the usual good taste that distinguishes the management in
this house. The Royal box was lined with white and
blue silk in alternate stripes, and the large boxes on
either side belonging to her late Majesty the Queen
Dowager, and his Royal Highness the Duke of Cam-
bridge, were added as wings on either side, and included
in the general decorations. The front was hung with
alternate festoons of crimson and blue velvet, bordered
with gold fringe. A richly gilt and decorated moulding
ran along the top, in the centre of which was placed the
crown; the pillars on either side were also gilt, and sur-
mounted by gold shields and armorial bearings, and on
the front panel, on a medallion, was displayed the Royal
Arms. A large bouquet of rare exotics, and handsomely
bound books of the opera were laid in the Royal box for
the use of her Majesty and the Prince. Two of the
bouffetiers in their state dresses and halberts were, as
usual, stationed in front, As soon as the Queen made
her appearance in front of the box, a burst of
cheering broke forth from all parts of the
house—boxes, pit, and galleries, joining hear-
tily in the enthusiastic demonstrations of loyalty
which breaking through all the trammels of operatic
etiquette, were evidently as cordial and spontaneous as
they must have been gratifying to the Sovereign.
Simultaneously with the entrance of the royal party a
brilliant flood of light suddenly poured into the house
from the large chandelier, all the audience rose, the
orchestra struck up the National Anthem, and the cur-
tain rising displayed the whole of the corps drantatique
grouped on the stage. Her Majesty, who appeared at
first somewhat nervous, as if taken by surprise at the
unusual fervour and enthusiasm of her reception in so
aristocratic an assemblage, bowed repeatedly, and with
the grace so peculiarly her own. The cheering was again
and again renewed, and then the National Anthem was
sung, a round of cheering following each verse. The,scene
at this moment was extremely brilliant and striking. All
the ladies of the royal suite were in full evening costume,
and the noblemen and gentlemen in military, naval, or
official uniform, and wearing their orders and decora-
tions. Most of the audience were also in full dress or
military costume, and the high character of the assem-
blage, the vast and richly decorated theatre, the music,
and all the other accessories of the scene presented a
coup d'oeil which for grandeur and elegance has seldom
been surpassed. Her Majesty, who looked in her usual
excellent health, wore a light blue satin dress, trimmed
with deep lace; a head dress, composed of a wreath of
wild blush roses and foliage interspersed with diamonds;
a necklace, stomacher, and earrings of large brilliants,
and the ribbon of the Garter across her shoulder. The
Prince was attired in a field marshal's uniform, and
wore the insignia of the Garter and other decorations.
The ladies in the royal suite occupied the box on the
right of her Majesty, and the gentlemen on the left.
Two other boxes on either side were also filled by
members of the suite and pages. It is needless to say
that the house was crowded in every part, and we under-
stand that three or four guineas were, in many instances,
paid for single stalls.
The last act terminated precisely at a quarter past
eleven o'clock, and the moment the curtain fell her Ma-
jesty rose, bowed two or three times to the audience, and
retired. Loud and repeated cheers again broke forth
from all parts of the house, end the National Anthem
1 was again sung by the whole of the company. Her
Majesty was conducted to her carriage in the same state
as upon her arrival, and notwithstanding the immense
crowds assembled outside, the carriages were, by the
great exertions of the police, drawn up in rapid succes-
sion, and before half-past eleven. the Royal cortege was
again on its way back to Buckingham Palace.