LAST SCENES

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 100, 22 January 1936, Page 15

LAST SCENES

Tragic Hours End Just Before Midnight FAMILY AT BEDSIDE Evening Bulletin Presages Coming of Death (Received January 21, 8.15 p.m.) London, January 21. The “Daily Mail” says that not long after the Council of State bad been created, to last only 12 hours, the King lapsed imo a coma. Oxygen was administered to ease his laboured breathing, and injections given to aid his flagging heart, but, shortly before the critical bulletin, he was delirious, and called many times for the same white pony which he rode to the coverts last week when he caught the cold which caused his death. The bulletin with the solemn words “The King’s life is moving peacefully toward its close,” came almost as a death knell to the waiting nation after the restful sleep his Majesty enjoyed on the previous night. Reassuring news had been eagerly hoped for all day. Then toward evening was made the grave announcement that his condition showed diminishing strength. This, coming but a few hours after the King with his own hand had signed a document giving Sovereign power to the Queen and her four sons, indicated that while attending to formal but essential affairs of State the Klug’s strength was slowly ebbing. His people, reflecting thereon, must have realised that the King himself, with his love of country ind his subjects, would wish his passing energies to be employed to no better purpose. His untiring devotion to State duties, even when he was ill, was never more’ clearly demonstrated than when he performed what was his last official act.

Shadow of Approaching Death.

The evening bulletin showing the shadow of approaching death revived the nation-wide anxieties, which apparently had been somewhat alleviated at Sandringham, where many residents hept constant watch at the gates. The news spread like wildfire. Groups of villagers immediately hastened through the darkness amid a high wind to await further news. People arriving on horseback, and on cycles and cars from distances, scanned the small typewritten characters conveying the sad intimation, and turned away whispering sympathy for the King. Crowds clustered in the roadway refusing to go home until they knew the worst. Thousands went to Buckingham Palace, despite incessant showers of icy rain, to ascertain the latest news, departing with grief-stricken, faces. It had been announced that the next bulletin could be expected at 10.30 p m„ but at 9.30 p.m. came the surprising but not unexpected news which revealed that all hopes must disappear. The doctors, in the intervals . between the bulletins, found that his Majesty had lost so much ground that they were forced to realise there was no longer any chance of recovery. Further examination revealed that the King’s life was slowly passing. The sad news was immediately conveyed to the Queen and the members of the Royal Family, to the Duke of Connaught, wintering at Bath, who continually was in telephonic touch with Sandringham, and to the King’s sister, Queen Maud of Norway, and. also the Prime Minister, Mr. Stanley Baldwin, in London.

Sandringham House was hushed Into silence when the fateful bulletin was issued announcing that the King

was dying. The Queen, her sons, and the Princess Royal dined later than usual, as they were expecting a report from the doctors, and assembled in a room near the bed-chamber to await the end, which they realised was not far distant.

Five minutes before midnight, the tragic hours which had passed since 5.30 p.m. ended. The doctors, when they realised the end was only a matter of minutes, summoned the family to the death-bed. The Queen, whom the Prince of Wales had been comforting, and the Royal ladies entered the room, followed by ttje Princes, and all stood, sad-eyed and grave, looking at the tired, frail figure of the King and watched him breathe his last. The Queen, whose self-control had enabled her to maintain calmness throughout the anxious days of trial, broke down and wept, and then turned to the Prince of Wales —the new King. Mother and son embraced affectionately, the Prince’s arm around his mother consolingly. King Edward turned sadly to his brothers and sisters, and the Royal party moved out of the death chamber to an adjoining room to discuss wbat must now be done. It is said that King George’s wish has been granted. He always hoped the last hours of his life would be spent at Sandringham, of which he loved the quiet peace of the spacious halls and rooms, gardens and parklands. Moreover, it is where Queen Alexandra and his brother, the Duke of Clarence, died, and his youngest child. Prince John, is buried in the village churchyard. Immediately the King’s death was announced, the Queen spoke on the telephone to members of the Royal Family who were not present at Sandringham.

The Queen’s Sorrow.

When all necessary had been done, the Queen went sorrowfully to bed. the Princess Royal and the Duchess of Kent vainly trying to console her, but her Majesty’s grief was too great for comfort now that the happy union which had lasted so many years was ended. The Queen, her duties in her high position temporarily ended, is permitted to mourn her dead husband like any other loving wife. Everyone was anxious that the Queen who had borne the strain of ihe past few days with-unwavering fortitude, should rest as much as possible so that the strain should not be overmuch on her health. It was disclosed to-night that the King during the past two days had been lying in a state of coma except for brief intervals, but he was able to -ecognise the Queen and his children, greeting them with a faint smile when they entered. The only absentee from the anxious group awaiting the end as the hours slowly passed was the Duke of Gloucester, whose sore throat kept him in Condon. It had been announced that he would go to Sandringham only in the event of an emergency, but the King’s failing strength apparently was ebbing so quickly that his presence was impossible. Meanwhile he was roristantly informed of events by telephone. Doctors’ Constant A >gil. The Duchess of York also kept in close touch. She has been one of the King’s favourite companions in recent years, and would have hurried to the bedside if she had -t>een in health. The Duchess of Kent arrived at Sandringham yesterday afternoon and assisted the Princess Royal to console the Queen. None of the King’s doctors went to bed last night, all sitting fully dressed In a room near the King's, keeping anxious vigil, and ready for emergencies. The Prince of Wales, the Duke of York and the Duke of Kern were also awake and in constant communication with the doctors. The Queen telephoned to the Duke of Gloucester giving the doctor’s unfavourable report. The staff at. Sandringham House was on duty throughout the night attending

io the requirements of the doctors and nurses.

Meanwhile, in the darkness outside the handsome gates which were the gift of the residents of Sandringham to his Majesty in memory of the Silver Jubilee, the crowds rapidly increased ns the news that the King was dying became more widely known. Many men who had known the King as both friend and Sovereign stood with their heads uncovered.

It is officially, stated that the Archbishop of Canterbury gave the last blessing. King Edward immediately began consultations with the Duke of York nnd Lord Wigram, Private Secretary to the King. Many lighted windows nt Sandringham House bore witness to the numerous formalities attendant on *he dentil of King George and the accession of King Edward. The death chamber alone remained in darkness. The new King motors to London today to attend tlie accession Council.

King Edward telegraphed at 12.28 to the Lord Mayor of London: "I am deeply grieved to Inform you that my beloved father, the King, passed away peacefully at 11.55.” Signed, Edward. Soon after the Lord Mayor received the Home Secretary’s message requesting that the big bell of St. Paul's he tolled this morning at 8.10 o’clock. The Lord Mayor replied to the King’s message and also sent a message of condolence to Queen Mary. Mr. Baldwin will issue a- broadcast message to the nation to-night at 9.30.