Preparing for the Court

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 50, 27 August 1932, Page 9

Preparing for the Court

Buckingham Palace routine, which is in itself a perfect piece of organisation, is affected in many ways on the days when Courts are held, states a London writer. Recently the long vista of drawingrooms which lead to tho Throne Room gave the idea of one vast conservatory. The Royal gardeners from Grogmore started their work at an early hour in tho morning, and, with all the wealth of June blooms and flowering shrubs at tneir disposal,- were able to produce a wonderful effect.

Later in the day comes the pleasant task of arranging the floral decorations on the buffets and supper tables. The scheme is carefully prepared in detail beforehand, good "night" colours that suit tho brilliant Court setting being selected. After the Court is over many of these cut blooms are appropriated by t t rromen g^sts as souvenirs of one or the outstanding social events in their lives. Their Majesties dine earlier on Court nights than the usual hour, and the Queen indeed usually takes this meal in her own private room—for dressing for these ceremonial occasions cannot be hurried. The Quoen never leaves anything to the last moment, and it is her invariable custom to have completed her toilette some tinio before the M° ur m,at which she takes her place in the Throno Room. This is a course that, irom long experience, she constantly advises members of the Royal Family to adopt. After dinner the finishing touches are made to the Queen's toilette, for Her Majesty does not assume her jewels until just before sho joins the procession through the State Apartments, l