New-York tribune., 1907-01-06

Il KINGS SATURDAY.
Hozo the Weeks Last Day Goes at
Sandringham.

Invitations to Sandringham have always been
regarded IN the nature of command" save by
licensed wag. who is credited with having-to
the amusement of his royal host-once sent
telegram: Regret am prevented from accept
ing kind Invitation Letter and lie to follow"
sandringham has always had two distinct
visitors lists. which seldom overlap Tues
day to Fridays list IN the shooting season
Includes noted sportsmen, relations and per-
sonal friends of the King and Queen. Some
times however, the prospect of vacant place
In Saturday to Monday party. or the personal
popularity or character of sportsman will in
sure prolongation Of a midweek invitation
This privilege, with the prospect of few hours
shoot on Saturday, insures prompt accept
ance-
The great iron gates known as the Norwich
Gates. which were presented by the County Of
Norfolk to the Prince of Wales after the exhi-
bition of 1862, form the principal entrance to
the charming grounds single policeman Of
the "A' Division forms the solitary guard to
the King of Great Britain, Ireland and the bet
ter half of the world.
The mansion itself Is IN the modern Eliza
bethan style. and Is a very different building
from the ramshackle, badly arranged mansion
that was bought IN 1861. Just before hts
DEATH by the Prince Consort, for f22O 600
from Mr.. Spencer Cowper. husband Of Count
d'Orsay's widow. After immense sums were
spent in the attempt to make his country homo
comfortable and sanitary for HIS family and
unique sporting property for himself and his
friends, the King decided to pull down the old
house and build the present structure, which.
If not strictly artistic has the merit Of extreme
comfort. The red brick is toned to a beau
tiful shade. while the weather has softened tho
white Ketton stone that forms the corners Of
the house and the mullions of the windows Tho
md vii ST.
set at the northeast angle OF the east front
Above the doorway is carved: This house was
built by Albert Edward Prince of Wales and
Alexandra, his wife. IN the year of our Lord
1870"
The King since his accession has given up his
habit OF always meeting his guests at the door
OF his house This Is generally left to
official and crowd of servants. who conduct
visitors through the small vestibule and tho
great salon 10 their rooms, which are arranged
in suites. Tea is served In the guests rooms and
then preparations start for dressing for dinner.
All the clocks throughout Sandringhan are set
half hour fast Thus-breakfast announced
served at 9:30 really means 9. luncheon at
means 80 and o'clock dinner is really ready
by 7:30 The royal host and hostess do not ap-
pear either at breakfast luncheon, which Is
served at small tables in the dining room, to
which guests may drift in rather as they please
The early hours of Saturday morning are do
voted by the King TO business His majesty has
always been an early riser, and after walk and
breakfasting in his apartment at O'Clock
he generally proceeds to business with Lord
Knolys in official leading off tho
salon. with solid office furniture and nothing
but few vanity Fair" cartoons-among them
being likenesses Of Admiral ROus and Lord Ma
pier of Magdala-to break the monotony Of tho
painted walls Besides his own personal corrs-
spondence. which Is enormous here are settled
all questions concerning the management of the
estates, improvements, the claims of tenants.
the affairs of the land steward head gardener
and gamekeeper. To these matters the King
gives personal attention
His majesty is good business man. and. being
well served and knowing his own mind succeeds
In getting through his work quickly and getting