The sun., 1908-07-19
ROYAL GARDEN PARTIES.
Selecting the Guests-Changes or Recent
Years In Etiquette and Dress.

ROYAL GARDEN PARTIES.
Selecting the Guests--C Changes or Recent
| Years In Etiquette and Dress.
The delicate and arduous task Of sending
out invitations for q royal garden party
and receiving the replies is placed In the
hands Of the Lord Chamberlain, who ID
assisted by q large staff. That the latter
is necessary win be easily understood
says London Ti-Bifs. when It is stated that
the number Of cards despatched frequently
reaches a total Of 5000.
Each OF the large white. gilt edged cards,
bearing the royal crown and neatly en-
| graved has 10 be filled In with the recipients
| correct name. titles and such hopors as he
may possess. and great accuracy is neces-
sary in this to avoid giving offence.
| The names are taken from three lists.
There 10, first Of all, the list Of persons who
have the right 10 be present at all court
| functions This right is. OF course,
| merely nominal. for no one is expected
to attend royal function without being
specifically invited, although doubtless
II those on the list did put In an appearance
they would not be shown the door,
Included In this list are members Of the
House Of Lords and their wives, the Am
bassadors Of foreign Powers, the members
Of the Cabinet. the high officers Of the law
and Of the royal households and peeresses
In their own right.
The second list comprises members OF
the House Of Commons. high naval and
military officers. civic dignitaries, baronets
and knights, the Judges and leading mem-
bers Of the bar, and heads Of the depart
ments OF State. Lord Lieutenants, &c.
These lists are subject to occasional
revision, necessitated by death or the ele-
vation Of those whose names appear on 1t
to higher posts or more exalted positions.
or for other reasons.
The third list 10 usually drawn up spe-
ciallv for each function and consists OF
leading members Of the Church. representa-
tives Of art. science, music. medicine and
the stage. leaders Of commerce and trade,
the members OF local councils and other
governing bodies, and distinguished
foreigners who happen to be staying In
The lists having been. compiled are sub
fSig i,ea thTouRS sU sSS them them addins or deletns
names as he may wish. The lists are then
returned to the Lord Chamberlain's de-
partment and a number affixed to each
name. A corresponding number IL put on
Ae the replies are received the names
are ticled OH. and when no reply comes
TO hand mark Q put against the name
and q note made OF the number. Speoisl
care is taken to see that the addresses to
order that they may not fall into wrong
hands.
In the old days it was no infrequent
occurrence for cards to change hands IN
a way that was not anticipated or desired.
~ khAa x<}ss VIC
quentiy sold for large sums TO persons who
had no right to be present, This practice
was discovered at one Of the Marlborough
House garden parties owing to the pres
ence there Of certain persons who had not
been invited and who gave up cards bearing
names other than their own.
Since then the precautions taken to pre-
vent cards going astray have been very
stringent and those charged with the duty OF
taking the cards Of visitors at the entrances
TO the castle are experienced men who are
well acquainted with the leading person
ages of the day and are not likely to be
deceived by counterfeits masquerading un-
der assumed names and titles.
The necessity for care on an occasion OF
the sort will be gathered when it 10 stated
that great deal OF the royal plate, OF enor-
nous value. Is displayed in the innumefable
marques where refreshments are served
and that it is comparatively easy matter
to gain access to Windsor Castle from where
the garden parties take place.
No one Is allowed to take q parcel OF any
sort or even O Photographic camera into
the grounds without special permission, nor
is any one without q permit allowed to take
sketchee. No one Ii expected to approach
within a certain distance Of the royal group
and Il is OF course contrary TO etiquette
to address the King without being called
upon to do 30.
It is the custom OF the King. however.
to move freely among his guests on these
occasions and to shake hands with or ad-
dress few words TO any one he recognizes
or who is specially brought to his notice.
The visitor thus honored must removed his
hat.
Catering for a company of 5000 Is no
light matter. In the old days the staffs
piled by a contractor. did the work. but
nowadays the task is entrusted to o firm
Of caterers. The royal gardens still sup
ply the fruit, the royal bakeries nuch Of
the bread and pastries, and the wines come
from the royal cellars. But the ioes, min
erel water, tea. coffee, confectionery and
other matters are provided by the caterer.
who also supplies the china. glass and silver
In Queen victoria's time IL was not eti-
uuette to smoke at garden parti q, but the
King frequently indulges In o cigar and IL
is not regarded as an infraction OF the
social law for visitors to do likewise. At
the recent garden party at windsor there
was no smoking. In the matter OF dress
there is considerable latitude end the tall
hat and frock coat. at one time the striot
rule, have now been largely supplanted by
lounge suits and straw or Monte Carlo bats
of soft felt.