New-York tribune., 1902-03-15
THE COURT SPECTACLE BRILLIANT.
BUCKINGHAM PALACE CEREMONY.
~ rhe Ass2els,sd 80

The Associated PressN
London, March 1.-THE beautiful spring
weather OF the last few days changed this
afternoon to a heavy downpour which ccntin-
ued throughout the evening. and which quite
spoiled. so far $ the general public was con-
cerned, the spectacle Of the Kings court.
In spite Of the binding rain. which turned
the roads TO quagmires and hid the entrance TO
the palace in blurred mist, the constant stream
Of arriving carriages was watched by a large
crowd. which cheered most Loyalty when their
majesties. in a state coach and escorted by Of
dcers of the Life Guards Clattered along the
Mall and passed into the palace. the guard of
honor giving the royal salute, and the Grena-
diers Band. stationed In the courtyard, playing
the national anthem. Their majesties were bow
ing all along the route, but. in common with the
occupants of other carriages. they could scarce
Iy be recognized through the rain.
Once inside the palace the contrast was most
striking. Nothing so brilliant has been seen
since the early days of the reign OF the late
Queen Victoria The blaze of new electric
lights. the scent of flowers heaped along the cor
ridors the glitter of womens jewels and dresses
and the court uniforms made memorable and
magnificent scene. King Edwards private band
played in a gallery of the ballroom. where the
court was held Their majesties stood simply
and without a dais at one end of the room and
a few PAGES in front of the royal circle, which
included the Prince and Princess of Wales. while
further back were ranged other royal person
ages
The breast Of King Edward was blazing with
orders and stars and he looked TO be in the best
of health and spirits. Queen Alexandra wore
golden yellow dress, embroidered with irises.
Rows of pearls hung from her neck. and she
wore dainty diamond crown. The Queen stood
throughout the fatiguing ceremony. graciOusly
smiling The Princess of Wales was attired in
white and silver, and the other princesSes were
robed in white.
On one side OF their ma ateSties stood brilliant
group of ambassadors and diplomats and women
displaving gorgeous dresses and jewels; on the
other side stood the members of the royal house
hold King Edward received the guests ac-
cording to precedence. and afterward moved
freely among the brilliant company. An in
formal supper served after the reception
and the court continued until midnight.
Among the striking beauties present we're
Lady Cynthia Graham and Niscountess Castle
reagh. Lady Arthur Butler (born Stager).
dauehte- of General Anson Stager. of the United
States Army. was also noticeably pretty. With
the execution of those presented there were few
young girls present. Lady Strathcona presented
Miss TWining of Canada.
The newly decorated dining room which Is
most beautiful, was opened for the first time
this evening A horseshoe table vas laden with
gold plate and pyramids of flowers and fruit.
All the arra ngements were most successful
Following the termination Of the court a most
unusual scene was witnessed early this morning
All the fashionable photographers OF London
were busy taking pictures. with the aid of cleo
trio lights of the women in their presentation
dresses.