The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-15
street Display of the Kings Court
Marred by Rain, but Beauty
Reigned in the Palace.
COSTLY DRESSES AND JEWELS
WORN BY THE KING, QUEEN, PRIN-
CESsES AND OTHERS.
Edwards Breast AbIaze with Decora-
tiOns-PhOtoErapber Busy
Taking Pictures.

LONDON, March H.-For the first time
in many years Londoners witnessed a
court function at night The late Queen
was opposed to displaying herself at night.
King Edward and Queen Alexandra, how
ever, in response to popular wish, decided
to hold court tonight, much to the de-
light of tradesmen, who have done a rush
ing business in making consumes for the
occasion. The general public however, was
disappointed, for the beautiful spring
weather of the past few days changed this
afternoon to a heavy downpour, which con-
tinued throughout the evening and quite
spoiled the spectacle of the Kings court.
In spite of the binding rain, which turned
the roads TO quagmires and hid the en-
trance 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
state coach and escorted by officers of the
Life Guards, came along the Mall and
passed into the palace, the guard of honor
giving the royal salute and the Grenadiers
Band, stationed in the courtyard, playing
the national anthem. Their Majesties were
bowling all along the route, but, in common
with the occupants of the other carriages,
they could scarcely 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
Queen Victoria. The blaze of new electric
lights, the scent of flowers heaped along
the corridors, the glitter of ladies' jewels
and dresses and the court uniforms made a
Edwards private band played in gallery
of the ballroom, where the court was held
Their Majesties stood simply and without
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
personages.
The breast of King Edward was blazing
with orders and stars. and he appeared to
be in the best of health and spirits.
Queen Alexandra wore a golden yellow
dress embroidered with irises. Rows of
pearls hung from her neck and she wore a
dainty diamond crown. The Queen stood
throughout the fatiguing ceremony gra-
ciously smiling. The Princess of Wales
was attired in white and silver and the
other princesses were robed in white.
On one side Of their Majesties stood a
brilliant group of ambassadors and diplo-
mats and ladies displaying gorgeous dresses
and Jewels; on the other side stood the
members of the royal household. King Ed
ward received the guests according to pre-
cedence and afterwards moved freely
amongst the brilliant company. An in
formal supper was served after the recep-
tion and the court continued until midnight.
Among the striking beauties present were
Lady Cynthia Graham and Viscountess
Castleregh. Lady Arthur Butler. daughter
of Gen. Arson Stager. of the United States
army was also noticeably pretty. With the
exception 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. horseshoe table was
laden with gold plate and pyramids Of
flowers and fruit. All the arrangements
were most successful
Following the termination of the King 8
court a most unusual scene was witnessed
early Saturday morning All the fashion
able photographers of London were busy
taking pictures. with the aid of electric
light, of the ladies In their presentation
dresses.
The diplomatic circle included Joseph H
Choate. the American ambassador, and
Mrs Choate; Henry White, secretary OF
the American embassy at London, and Mrs
White; John r. Carter. second secretary
of the embassy; William Corcoran Eustis.
third secretary OF the embassy, and Mrs
Eustis and Commander Richardson Clover,
the naval attache.
Among the Americans presented were
Mrs. and Miss Padelford. Altogether $50