THEIR MAJESTIES AT CATHEDRAL

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22622, 27 April 1948, Page 5

THEIR MAJESTIES AT CATHEDRAL

IMPRESSIVE THANKSGIVING SCENE LONDONERS REJOICE; PALACE OVATION (N.Z.P. A.—Reuter —Copyright.) (10.30 a.m.) LONDON. April 26. A fanfare of trumpets echoed through St. Paul’s Cathedral, rolled round the great dome, and then Their Majesties, followed by other members of the Royal Family, began their procession down the aisle to give thanks for 25 years’ happy married life.

Four heralds In brilliant uniforms and tabards led the procession, followed by church dignitaries, the Arch bishop of Canterbury, Dr. G. Fisher, who received Their Majesties at the great west door, the Bishop of London, Dr. Wand, and the Lord Mayor bearing a pearl sword. King and Queen Take Their Place The Anthem swelled as Their Majesties went slowly to their two gold and red chairs standing in front of the choir stepj on each side of which stood the Gentlemen at Arms in gold and scarlet tunics and white-plumed gilt helmets After the responses and the singing of the 23rd Psalm the moderator of the Free Church Federal Council the Rev. P Evans, read the lesson from the Ephesians 111 14-21. A hymn and the Lord’s Prayer followed. The Archdeacon of London, the Very Rev. W R Matthews, offered a prayer of thanks for the “blessings bestowed upon thy servants, George and Elizabeth’ and the Bishop of London blessed Their Majesties. The choir sang the Anthem and a prayer was offered for the British Commonwealth and blessings were sought for the “home life of all our people here and overseas.” After the congregation sang a hymn the Archbishop of Canterbury delivered his address. The Archbishop of Canterbury after saying the Royal Family had borne with all other families its own share of domestic griefs and burdens, declared that the example of their steadfastness was rooted in the serenity of a happy home life and expressed selfless service to the people and steadied and encouraged the whole nation. Quality and Harmony of Lives “Here, today, when our beloved King and Queen celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of their wedding the nation and Empire bless God that he set such a family at the seat of our Royalty. By sure instinct of perception our people have known that in this Royal Family there was no disharmony, and have rejoiced in knowing' it. “Through all the exacting duties of their public station there shines out the radiance of a home life in which the quality and harmony of their lives reside, So it is that the national cele bration of their silver wedding day is in truth a great domestic festival for us all.” All joined in singing the Queen’s favourite hymn “Praise My Soul the King of Heaven,” which was sung at her wedding and also the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh. The Archbishop of Canterbury pronounced the Blessing. Another fanfare of trumpets rolled out and dwindled into silence. The whole cathedral became hushed. Then the oygan swelled triumphantly into the notes of the National Anthem. Nation’s Leaders In Congregation In the congregation were the nations’ leaders, the world's ambassadors and representatives of the Empire, including the New Zealand High Commissioner, Mr. W. J. Jordan. Seven of the Queen’s bridesmaids also attended. The eighth, Mrs. Kenneth Harrington, died last year. As Their Majesties emerged from the cathedral they waved to the crowd. A great cheer arose and accompanied them all the way as they drove down Ludgate Hill along New Bridge Street, •he Victoria Embankment, Horseguards’ Avenue, thence into the Mall and Buckingham Palace. Their Majesties, in response to shouts “We want the King" from the evergrowing crowd, came on to the balcony and received one of the greatest ovations of their reign. They stood waving to the surging people. The Queen turned and smiled affectionately at her husband. Queen Mary, Princess Margaret, Princess Elizabeth, the Duke of Edinburgh, and tha Dukeand Duchess of Gloucester joined Their Majesties and acknowledged the greetings.