KING AND QUEEN IN EAST END

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22017, 15 February 1937, Page 9

KING AND QUEEN IN EAST END

CROWDS BREAK CORDON IN ENTHUSIASM

FIRST JOINT ENGAGEMENT SINCE ACCESSION (united fsess assocutioh—copybight.) (Received February 14, 9.20 p.m.) LONDON, February 13. For the first time since their accession their Majesties carried out a joint engagement when they visited the East End to open the new People's Palace. The opening should have been carried out by the Duke of Windsor, but it was delayed because of his impending abdication. Cheering crowds lined the route from Piccadilly to the borough of Poplar, in the East End. The streets were decorated with streamers, bunting, and Coronation emblems. The children were especially well placed and all were wearing favours in the national colours. There were many shouts of "God save your Majesties!" The King, who was in morning dress, responded by saluting and waving his hat, and the Queen was smiling. At one stage the East End crowd swept away the police cordon and stopped the progress of the car. People surrounded the car, pressing their faces to the windows and cheering enthusiastically. Their Majesties acknowledged the demonstration with smiles.

The King and Queen spent an hour inspecting the new People's Palace and listened to a musical programme. They received the Mayors of Shoreditch, Hackney, Bethnal Green, and Stepney, with whom they discussed local problems.