EN ROUTE TO ROME

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 107, 7 May 1923, Page 7

EN ROUTE TO ROME

KING AND QUEEN DEPART

CROWDED PROGRAMME FOR THE

WEEK

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COMBIGHT.) (AUSTRALIAN . NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.)

(Received 7th May, 8 a.m.)

LONDON, 6th. May.

; Glorious weather favoured the departure of King George and Queen Mary on their week's state visit to Home. Their Majesties drove to Victoria Station in the afternoon in an open carriage along, a crowded route, the King in his uniform of'an Admiral of the Fleet, the Queen in a dress of navy blue, with a toque to match. There was a most hearty send-off . at Victoria Station, where a party of Fascisti,' draw.n up on the platform, saluted as the; train left. At Dover they went aboard .the steamer Biarritz, had a delightful crossing, and'^dined in the. train in which they travelled from Calais. 'At the frontier they will transfer to the Italian royal train, in which they . expect to reach Rome, on Monday afternoon.

Rome is already en fete with beflagged and decorated buildings; The heat "wave which has been crossing Europe has brought the' trees into blossom as if to add Nature's welcome. The newspapers are full of complimentary articles and. photographs, and the hotels are filled. ,with. guests. The. route from the station will be lined with the pick of the Fascisti militia. ;

The Press., foreshadows as a result of the visit the cession .of Jubaland, which is claimed by Italy under the London Pact of 1915, under which Italy entered the war on' the side of the Allies. A crowded programme awaits Their Majesties, who are anxious to study the archaeological wonders of the Eternal City. ' • ■ . - ' ■■ ' ■•■'"