The Washington herald., 1912-07-28
European Court Gossip of
Interest in Two Continents

A1GG&S N0G
In discussing Buckingham Palace Sc
crets yesterday. mention was made,
among other things. of tho preparations
necessary for q state ball. Such func-
ton was held by King George and Queen
Mary two weeks ago. and from all &C
counts 1t surpassed all previous similar
occasions In splendor of entertainment
and nasniflcence Of costumes. Notwith-
standing the absence in Canada Of the
Duke and Duchess Of Connaught. more
royal personases attended than at any
state ball within recollection. the scene
SURPRISING all traditions Of the Court of
ST. James.
The royal quadrille. which. as usual.
opened the ball, consisted only Of one
figure. All royalty present took part
ners in this, but distinguished guests
also were bidden to participate In the
royal square. A platform had been
erected at one end of the ballroom for
the royal group. but neither the King
nor the queen occupied 1t much. pre-
ferring to move about on the floor. in
order to converse more freely with their
many guests.
The King wore the gala uniform of .
colonel OF the Royal Horse Guards. The
Queen wore a gown of cream and gold
broche silk OF English manufacture.
with an emerald and diamond tiara,
necklace and ornaments. the Order OF
the Garter, and her family orders. AL
the duchesses in the British peerage
seemed to be grouped in the immediate
vicinity Of the royal dais. Here were
the Duchess OF Devonshire and the
Duchess Of Montrose, the latter escort
ing her daughter, Lady Helen Graham.
The Duchess OF Rutland wore a dress
OF white and silver. with an overdress
OF rose pink satin. retained at the waist
by teweled belt. which was formed of
blue and mauve gems to match a gigan-
tic ornament which fastened a lace drap-
cry on the skirt. Lady Marjorie Man
ners came with her mother. and her
hance. Lord Anglesey. was also in the
group. which included Lady Diana, Lady
MarJorie's youngest sister.
The Duchess of Westminster made a
stately figure in a rich robe Of black and
steel coat Of mail draped with Egyptian
scarves. The bodice was Of white net.
heavily jeweled and embroidered with
black chenille leaves and thistles. With
this dress her grace wore her immense
arched crown formed Of the Grosvenor
diamonds, and hanging from her neck
was the famous Nassau stone. which
has even a more remarkable history
than the Hope diamond itself.
In contrast to the brunette beauty OF
the duchess, the tall blond charming
ness OF her sister, the Princess Pless.
wife OF a distinguished member OF the
peerage, commanded attention.
Her erect carriage and exceptional
height were still more emphasized by a
headdress of diamonds, which
rose In sharp angles from wide ban
ieau OF cleaning stones. The princess
wore a brocaded dress and fine lace with
numerous ropes OF lustrous pearls.
The Duchess of Bedford, who is so
seldom seen in London even at a state
junction, was the wesrer or bly,
me Of the costliest dresses seen at the
BALL. II consisted entirely OF venetian
ace. which is an heirloom OF the family. !
md the brocaded drapery which EMBODIED |
he corsage and skirt was edged with
diamonds. Apropos OF Jewels, |
nothing more dazzling could be discerned |
han the diamonds and rubies worn by |
-ady Londonderry. Lady Csstlereagh was
wearing a dress Of satin brocade. soIic |
silver threads being woven into the |
Flemish design, which made 1t espe-
tally effective. The bodice was oraped |
With magnificent old rose point, which |
ell from the shoulders. and terminated |
n narrow drapery over the back OF
he gown.
Lady Crewe also favored a dress OF
white and silver, which glistened as she
moved. Her ornaments were a diamond |
rown and necklace. and among tur-
luoise and diamond clusters on her
houlders could be distinguished the |
coveted Order OF the Crown of India, |
which the King bestowed upon her after |
he durbar. in commemoration OF Lord |
rrewe's services as Secretary OF State
or India. Lady Butte had on a most /
dress which had the appear
Ince OF cuirass OF white and yellow |
diamonds worn over a skirt OF point de
enise. and Lady Leven, another Scottish |
'eeress. appeared in an elaborate dress
( oxydized tissue with diamond epau-
ets.
Among the bevy of lovely young girls
# the aristocracy present were Lady
DELLA Spencer and Lady Dorothy Browne.
Ter cousin. in white satin: Lady Helen
wearing lime green: Lady
SSDOiHts III "iIbc, anu lduN
,etty Melville in mauve charmeuse. Mrs.
.aw chose a curious dress of vieux rose
elvet, Lady Farquhar favored mist gray
rocade, Lady Dufferin and Mrs. Percy
llingworth had on gold and white. and
sady Camden wore a rich robe OF white
nd silver, with one-sided pannier effect
nd a steel crystal girdle round the high
7aist-
For many years past the state balls at
Palace always have been in
crowded. During Queen
'ictoris's reign there were two state balls
very season. invitations for each OF
hem being issued by the Lord Chancellor
Or about 1900 guests. When King Ed
Tard ascended the throne. the number of
lvitations was increased, and ever since
has risen every year.
I should think the proper way out of