The Sun.
London, England, 1851-05-08 00:00:00

HER MAJESTY'S STATE BALL.

The Queen gave a state ball last evening at Buck-
ingham Palace to a most numerous and brilliant Court,
invitations having been issued to above 2,100. Half-
past nine o'clock was the hour named, but. before that
time the ability and gentry began to arrive at Buck-
ingham Palace. The diplomatic corps, with their wives
and daught-rs, and the gentlemen of the respective lega-
tions, foreigners of distinction, the Cabinet Ministers,
and other high functionaries of State, Privy Councillors,
the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Household of the
Queen, the Prince Albert, and the members of the Royal
Family, and the Queen's Aideit-de-Camp, all alighted at
the garden entrance of the Palace, while the general
circle of visitors entered the Palace by the front central
portico.
The whole of the illustrious guests were ushered up
the grand staircase to the State Saloons, which were
illuminated with the greatest brilliancy and splendour,
and to these were added on this occasion the Garter
room and an adjoining apartment leading into the south
end of the magnificent picture gallery, and affording in-
creased accommodation to the throng of company.
The Ball-room was prepared as on former occasions,
a quadrille band being stationed in an orchestra elevated
within the alcove, reserved seats for the occupation of
her Majesty and her circle being arranged on one side
of the saloon. A second Ball-room (the Throne-room)
was also prepared for dancing, a quadrille band being
placed within the throne alcove, and reserved seats being
elevated down the east side of the apartment. Both
Ball-rooms and all the State Saloons, together with the
anproaches, were decorated with choice and fragrant
shrubs and flowers, tastefully arranged in the angles and
recesses. The Picture Gallery divided the two Ball-
rooms, and here the company assembled on their arrival
until the entrance of her Majesty.
His Royal Highness Prince Henry of the Netherlands
arrived at ten minutes before ten o'clock.
Precisely at ten o'clock her Majesty the Queen and
his Royal Highness Prince Albert entered the White
Drawing-room from the Royal Closet, and passed on to
the Grand Saloon, which was then opened from the Pic-
ture Gallery, and the assembled company followed her
Majesty and her august circle into the Ball-room.
Her Majesty and his R. Highness were accompa-
nied by their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess
of Prussia, Prince Frederick William of Prussia, and
Prince Henry of the Netherlands.
The Queen was attended by the Mistress of the Robes;
the Countess of Gainsborough, Lady in Waiting; the
Hon. Eleanor Stanley and the Hon. Beatrice Byng,
Maids of. Honour in Waiting; the Lord Chamberlain,
the Lord Steward, the Treasurer of the Household, the
Vice-Chamberlain; Lord Waterpark, Lord in Waiting;
Colonel Berkeley Drummond, Groom in Waiting; and
Colonel the Hon. C. Grey, Equerry in Waiting.
His Royal Highness the Prince Albert was attended
by Lord G. Lennox, Lord in Waiting; Lieutent-Colonel
Francis Seymour, Groom in Waiting; and Lieutenant-
Colonel Francis Hugh Seymour, Equerry in Witting.
His Royal H:ghness the Prince of Prussia was at-
tended by Major von Bayen and Count Goltz.
Her Royal Highness the Princess of Prussia was at-
tended by the Countess A. de Harke, the Countess Louise
Oriolla and Count Pokier.

His Royal Highness the Prince Frederick William of
Prussia was attended by Colonel Fischer and Lieutenant
von Heinz.