THE ROYAL VISITORS

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 108, 8 May 1923, Page 7

THE ROYAL VISITORS

A SPLENDID RECEPTION

CROWDS FLOCK TO THE CITY,

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPYRIGHT.)

(AUSTBAUAN - NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.)

(Received Bth May, noon.)

ROME, 7th May.

King George and Queen Mary arrived at 3 o'clock in the afternoon in glorious weather. They were met and welcomed at the station by the King- and Queen of Italy, members of the Italian Cabinet, and an enormous crowd, which gave them an ovation. The city is lavishly decorated.

Decorations conferred by King George include the Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath to the Premier, Signor Mussolini.

Crowds are flocking- to the city from all parts of the country. Forty thousand arrived by special trains. There is magnificent weather, though the heat is intense. The Bi'itish and Italian colours are displayed everywhere, and it is estimated that 300,000 people are lining the route of the Eoyal procession. Four dirigibles and two squadrons of aeroplanes escorted the Royal train on the 35-mile run from Civita Vecchia to Eome. The first carriage contained King Victor and King George, and the second Queen Mary and Queen Helena, with the Crown Prince nnd the Duke of Aosta. Flowers were showerqd on the occupants from buildings along the route, and the cheers continued long after the Royal visitors entered, the Quirinal, and, ceased, only when Their Majesties, with King Victorand Queen Helena appeared on the balcony of the throne room.