IN WESTMINSTER HALL

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 20, 24 January 1936, Page 9

IN WESTMINSTER HALL

SIMPLE, IMPRESSIVE SERVICE

DEMONSTEATION OUTSIDE PALACE

(Unilcd Press Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received January 24, 11.15 a.m.) LONDON, January 23. Westminster Hall contained many who were there on the King's memorable visit on May 8 to receive the Jubilee congratulations of the Houses of Parliament. The assemblage, in heavy mourning, a*is as hushed as previously it had been animated. All the dignity of England was assembled beneath the timbered roof of Westminster Hall, representatives of the Court, Church, the House of Lords, the House of Commons, Judges, and the Press. The white-surpliced choir had taken their places at the far end of the vast hall under the great window when the Lords filed in • headed by the Lord Chancellor (Lord Hailsham) wearing his robes of State. Peers who are seldom seen in London journeyed from all parts of Britain to pay their last homage to the beloved Sovereign. Members of the House of Commons, headed by the Speaker (Captain Fitzroy), and the Cabinet, took up their stand opposite them on the other side of the hall. Heralds flanking the high Gothic doors and the Yeomen of the Guard were the only note of colour apart from the impressive purple-covered catafalque standing in the centre of an expanse of grey carpet. The Duke of Norfolk received the ladies of the Court, who were so heavily veiled that it was impossible to recognise thenfeatures. Teh minutes before the cortege arrived the Archbishop of Canterbury, attended by chaplains and Court officers, entered the hall and took his stand at the door. Attendants lit four great candles on the four corners of the catafalque and a solemn hush fell on the great assembly, broken only by the tolling of bells and the faint sound of commands from officers outside. Around the Catafalque. ' The Duke of Norfolk, raising his wand of office, commanded the opening of the doors. The Archbishop of Canterbury put on his purple skull cap and passed through to receive the coffin, which was placed on the catafalque. The King, the Queen, and the other Royal mourners took up their position at the head of the coffin, heralds standing on either side. The Archbishop of Canterbury, standing on the lower step of the dais, pronounced in a firm, clear voice which was audible in every corner of the vast hall the opening prayer of a simple and impressive service: "0 Saviour of the World, Who by Thy Cross and precious blood redeemed us, save us and help us, we humbly beseech thee." The congregation joined in the Lord's Prayer, after which the Archbishop of Canterbury pronounced a special prayer of thankfulness for the blessings of the reign of King George. The Abbey choir sang the hymn My Soul, the King of Heaven," and the Archbishop of Canterbury pronounced the Benediction and conducted the Royal mourners to the door. It was remarked that the short service seemed to give the King and the Queen added strength and dignity. The Queen walked firm and erect. Some of the strain seemed to pass from the King's face as though the peace of God had entered his heart. When the Royal mourners had departed members of the House of Lords and the House of Commons filed slowly past on either side of the catafalque.

Thousands massed in front of the Palace before the King and the Queen returned from Westminster, and as the car approached they surged forward from all sides. The police were powerless to restrain them, and the Royal car was almost stopped. Women curtsied, and men raised their hats. The King and the Queen were obviously touched by the demonstration and looked from side to side and bowed. The crowds lingered for a long time after the King and the Queen had entered the Palace, which was quickly ablaze with light. The Royal Standard fluttered at the masthead.