Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-31
LONDON SOCIAL SEASON
MADE GLOOMY BY WAR
No Entertaining on Large Scale, but
King Wishes Routine Func-
lions Kept Up.
GREAT HOUSES IN MOURNING
Formal Receptions of Diplomats and
High Officials Will BE Held, but
Former Spirit OF Gaiety Is Lack
ing-Familiar Faces Gone.

! LONDON. January 3O.-Thc coming
London season will be the dullcst sine,
/ tn" trimean War. owing to the fact
/ that there is scarcely noble family
| which ~ not in mourning. But. while
! there will be little or no entertaining
on Il large scale. and positively nc
state balls, the King has let it be
known that he wants to keep up the
routine functions, provided no unfore-
seen emergency arises. These func-
tons. however, will be OF the simplest
character.
II the Germans are unable to turn
the scales in their favor. or cause the
forces OF tho allies no unparalleled dis
aster, the social year will be opened
nj buckingham Palace about the mid
die of February with a formal recep-
tion OF diplomats and high officials.
In past years. there have been usually
TWO of these courts held during Feb
ruary and March and two. more in
May and June. This year. however 1t
is probable that two will be suspended.
Tho King, most likely. will hold his
usual quartet of levees for the officers
of the army and navy and the gentle
men having access to the court. The
levces may he held ut buckingham in
stead of ST. .Tames's this year. on ac-
count of the scarcity of Euardsmcn for
ceremonial duty. Even extra levecs
arc said to be under consideration, In
appointed or promoted. since II is the
custom for them to appear at court
on such occasions. Although almost
tho entire body OF army and navy Of
'icers are at the front they are fro
uuently relieved and allowed home on
furlouEh.
Both the King and Queen feel
strongly that court balls are out of
place at this time. and these will not
l.. resumed until the war ends. 1t
is also decided that there shall he
neither Derby night nor an Oaks
night ball. although tho King will not
forego his usual Derry night dinner to
his fellow members OF the Jockey Club,
unless compelled to by circumstances.
This years opening court Will be
marked by the absence OF several
familiar faces. notably the late sir
William Darlington. keeper OF the
privy purse; Lord John Hamilton. tho
deputy master of the household: the
Hon. w. CadoCan. eVucrry 10 tho Prince
OF Wales. and Major Rivers Bulk eley.
Til" losses OF war among th. minor
members of the household have also
been considerable
The majority OF the bcst-known
houses in London will remain closed
this season. notably Devonshire House.
HYDE Park House. Grosvenor House.
sunderland House, Stafford House and
Montague House Thcec will be none
a. the Semipublc costume balls, which
used 10 be notable feature of Lon
don's season, although a bazaar in aid
.; IN" Prince OF Walcss funds has
been suggested.
Had the war not interviewed. the
formal debut in society OF Princess
Mary would have been a gala OCCASION
celebrated by fancy dress ball Yet
she viii appear AT the first court held
after she attains her eighteenth year,
on April -
The King and Queen will attend n
special performance OF The School for
Scandal at Cove9t Garden on February
:. for the benefit OF the actors fund,
but their visits u the theatres Will
otherwise be few and far between.
The customary investiture for those
ootaining honors in the New Year list