KING'S MARSHALMEN

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 255, 27 October 1937, Page 20

KING'S MARSHALMEN

PICTURESQUE FIGURES A CEREMONIAL GUARD. BUCKINGHAM PALACE FUNCTIONS. (Special.—By Air Mail.) LONDON, October 9. For nearly 38 years, ever since he returned disabled from the South African war and was recommended by Queen Victoria, Mr. George Price has held the position of King's Marshal man. He has now retired from active duties at the Royal Palaces. Only six men, most of them old soldiers, hold the honour of being a King's Marehalinan. Their office survives from a time when it was desirable to have a corps to keep order in the Royal Palaces.

Nowada3 T s, so vigilant are those responsible for the Palace invitation lists, there is little need for a guard at the indoor State ceremonies. But the King's Marshalmen, picturesque figures in their scarlet coats, are still on duty at every Royal court, levee, investiture, ball, or banquet.

During the season a heavy list of Palace engagements keeps the King's Marshalmen busy. At other times there may be little for them to do, but they must still report each day at the Lord Chamberlain's office at the Palace. Kaeh man is on duty for a week at a time, attending at Buckingham Palace when the King is in residence and at St. James' Palace when he is out of town. "We help with the arrangements for al! the Court functions," Mr. Price said. "Such events are most carefully planned so that there shall be no hitch, and both before and during the event everyone concerned works .o secure complete harmony." Mr. Price walked at the head of the household section in the Coronation procession. It was the third Coronation in which Ae had taken part.