Evening star., 1937-05-06
SOCIAL MARATHON
BEGUN IN LONDON
Millions in Jewels Taken
From VauIts-14 Ameri-
cans Bow to Rulers.
By the Associated Pre-,

LONDON, May 6.-MlulOnS or dol
lars worth of jewels and costly gowns
will be worn in the coronation social
marathon Just launched, and the
precious stones promise to turn SON.
ber Westminster Abbey into a gilt
tering treasure chest at the crowning
OF George VI next Wednesday.
Valuable family gems are being
taken from vaults and refurbished
for the tremendous program of balls,
banquets, dinners and garden par
ties scheduled during the next two
months.
The coronation social season opened
IN the eold-deCked ball room of Buck
ingham Palace last night, when 500
debutantes, including IA Americans
made their bows before King George
and Queen Elizabeth in the first of
three royal courts.
Every woman at the Abbey cere-
mony-from then Queen down-will
wear the most precious Jewels she
oWns-tlaras, necklaces and brace
lets
The famous Koh.noor diamond.
worn by Queen Mary for 25 years,
will fash from the Queens new plat
mum crown.
Set With Diamonds.
1t is set entirely with diamonds,
topped by a jeWeled orb and cross
mounted on the summit of gem stud
ded bands above the purple velvet
cap. Queen Mary will wear Jewels
estimated to be worth more than a
million dollars.
The dladem portion Of the crown
used for her coronation in 1911
Will top her famous pompadour, and
a brilliant diamond necklace and
bracelets will encircle her throat and
wrists. Princess Elizabeth, heiress
presumptlve to the throne, and her
sister. Princess Margaret Rose, will
wear their first coronets-of silver
gilt for lightneSs, and without Jewels
Diamonds and pearls were predomi-
nant choices of the distinguished
women who will set in Westminster
Abbey. These do not clash with the
colorful robes. Of course, there will
be rubies, enleralds, sapphires and
aQuamarines.
One countess will wear neck
lace and headdress of pearls. An
other tiara, necklace and earrings of
pearls and diamonds-and 50 on
through dazzling galaxy.
Debutantes Receive Thrill.
The coronation debutantes received
the thrill of their lives when they
curtsied before the King and Queen
last night. For the Americans, who
we're presented by Mrs. Robert w.
Bingham, wife OF the United States
Ambassador, the brilliant ceremony
cllmaXed several weeks Of study in
experiment and costume assembling.
The women presented a glowing
pageant of youthful beauty in their
white silver gowns as they filed past
the royal diaS. Although several con-
fessed beforehand they were scared
to DEATH" they were the picture of
outward calm at the big moment.
1T has meant so much prepara-
ton" said one American debutante,
but 1t is worth every bit Of it. It
Is a wonderful experience"
The court began at $50, when the
King and Queen and other members
of the royal family walked in pro-
ceSslon from the state dining room
to the ball room with the lord cham
berlain. Great officers of state walked
backward before them.
National Anthem Played.
A hush fell on the throng as a
string band of the Scots Guards
played the national anthem and their
maJestles assembled their thrones. The
lord chamberlain announced the
name of the first woman to pass the
dals and the first court of George Wis
reign had started.
The second court will be held to-
night, when women from Australia,
South Africa and Canada Will be
presented in keeping with the Kings
desire that dominions take active
part in the coronation season. The
third court will take place July /.
Last nights de5utantes formed a
queue Of nodding white plumes with
their headdresses as they moved SLOW
ly past the thrones at the rate of
about 10 every minute. Each gave
her card to court Official heard her
name called and swept into a low
curtsy before the King. She curtsied
again to the Queen and moved slowly
away, keeping her face toward the
royal pair
The King was in military uniform
and the Queen wore richly embroid-
cred gown and sparkling jewels.
Reception at Danish Legation.
On tonisht's social program was a
reception at the Danish Legation in
honor of Crown Prince Frederick and
Crown Princess Ingrid of Denmark,
marking the silver jubilee of King
Christian x. The reception will be
given by the Danish Minister and
Countess Ashleveldt-Laurv
Queen Mary will be the first queen
mother in English history to see he,
son crowned King The widowed
Queen Alexandra, by contrast, did not
see George V crowned in 1911, but fol.
lowed court precedent by remaining ir
seclusion at Sandringham, where she
attended private services in the STATE
chapel with the Czarina of Russia.
Next Wednesday will be a day oi
memories for Queen Mary. She vii
not take direct part in the ceremony
Little more than a spectator she viii
look down the long nave of the abbe,
waiting for the approach of the roya
procession, and her thoughts may gc
back to her own coronation 26 year,
ago, when she stood beside the slight
bearded George V, her husband.