CONDITION OF THE KING

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 79, 27 December 1928, Page 9

CONDITION OF THE KING

IMPROVEMENT CONTINUED A QUIET DAY PASSED STENGTH BEING MAINTAINED The bulletin concerning the King’s illness issued on Christmas night stated that His Majesty’s condition was improving, and ids strength was being maintained. (United Presi Association. —By Electric Tdegrapn.—Copyright.) (Australian Press Assu.—United Service.) London, December 25. . The following bulletin .was issued from Buckingham Palace at 8.15 p.m. : “The King has passed a quiet day. His local condition is improving and his strength is being maintained. The next bulletin will be issued to-morrow evening.” MOST REASSURING SIGN THE KING MAINTAINING HIS STRENGTH

(Australian Press Association.)

(Rec. December .26, 9 p.m.)

London, December 26.

The bulletin has caused nation-wide gratification, and an atmosphere of happiness and relief throughout the Palace.' The authorities consider it a most reassuring sign that the King is maintaining his strength. The extreme slowness of the progress continues, therefore they do not expect any rapid advance. Sir Stanley Hewett still remains at the Palace, where Sir Hugh Rigby consulted him this morning.

It is considered significant that Lord, Dawson did not attend till the evening, when there was an hour’s consultation. Sir Hugh Rigby and Lord Dawson departed Immediately after the bulletin.

The Royal Family visited the King throughout the day. .It was a happy Christmas reunion at the Palace, where it is ten years since the Royal Family spent Christmas together. After a service at the Palace chapel the Royal Family, except the Prince of Wales, remained to luncheon'. The Queen walked in the Palacfi grounds in the afternoon. - " PRAYERS THROUGHOUT • : COUNTRY FOR KING’S RECOVERY (außtrsliau Press Association.)

London, December 25.

In order that the public should not be unduly- disturbed over- the holidays, no bulletin regarding'the. King's condition was issued by the Buckingham Palace physicians, but Sir Stanley Hewett, Surgeon Apothecary to the King, stated at noon that the Royal patient’s condition, continued to be satisfactory, the King having passed a fairly comfortable night, with several periods of good, sound sleep. His progress, although slow, was maintained. In the meantime, in the churches throughout the country prayers were offered for his recovery. Queen Mary and the Prince of Wales attended service in the Palace Chapel, after which the Irish Guards played old English carols. At the centre gate 3000 persons stood bareheaded, singing in subdued voices the hymn “Praise the King of Kings.” Tattered beggars moved in and out of the throng pleading for alms.

For the first time since the King’s Illness, one of the members of the medical staff attending the monarch, namely, Lord Dawson of Penn, was missing from the morning consultation at the Palace, but Sir Stanley Hewett and Sir Hugh Rigby spent an hour and a half in the sick-room. The King received members of his family, Including the Duke of Gloucester, who was greatly affected by his father’s changed appearance. The Prince of Wales left the Palace on a motor trip, but arranged to return again in the evening for Christmas dinner, which twelve persons were scheduled to attend. The banquet planned was most simple and given in the beautiful Chinese, room. Medical circles consider that' the return of all the King’s children in time to spend Christmas with him will go a long way towards his ultimate recovery, and London celebrated its holiday with the usual spirits. Despite the drizzling rain on, Christmas Eve, many people crowded into Piccadilly and the Strand, and the night clubs did a rushing business. The stores remained open especially late for the benefit of those who left their purchases until the last minute in view, of the seriousness of the King’s illness.' CHRISTMAS EVENING AT THE PALACE FAMILY DINNER PARTY Australian Press Association. London, December 25. The evening at Buckingham Palace was devoted to a family dinner pajty. at which the Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of York, the Duke of Gloucester, Prince George, and Princess Mary, were present. Sir Stanley Hewett was the only outside

guest Lord Lascelles was absent fulfilling his Yorkshire engagements. The Princess Elizabeth did not visit the Palace, but played joyously in a nursery full of toys. Elaborate provision was made for the Palace staff entertainment. The Queen was desirous that the King’s illness should not interfere with the festivities.

The Rev. J. Fleming, preaching at St. Columbus Church, said: “Each day of his illness we have learned to honour the King more and count him precious. More earnestly than ever we should pray to God to save the King-”