QUEEN ALEXANDRA

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 24 November 1925, Page 5

QUEEN ALEXANDRA

PUBLIC MOURNING. NO GLOOM AT CHRISTMAS. THE KING’S DESIRE. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT (Received Nov. 24, 10.10 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 23. Though the- Court- order for mourning does not apply to the public, there are many signs in London of its adoption. It is expected that men and women who are prominent in society will wear mourning till at least January 20tli, but the King has expressed a desire that no shadow of gloom should 1 be cast oyer the Christmas season. His Majesty hopes that the ordinary amenities of life will not he interrupted. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

SISTER IN CRITICAL CONDITION

COPENHAGEN, Nov. 22.

■ The Dowager Empres s Mairie of Russia, Queen Alexandra’s sister, ha® collapsed with grief. Her condition is causing anxiety.—A. and N.Z. Assn.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS LONDON, Nov. 22. Every grade of servant at the Sandringham estate solemnly passed the bier of Queen Alexandra, many passing to touch Queen Alexandra’s hand. They saw her as she was known twenty years ago, the marks of time being obliterated and replaced by sweet serenity. Around her Avere iioAvers from her own garden. Upon her breast there was a silver cross, and her jewelled hands Avere folded in the attitude of rest.

Though Queen Alexandra Avill be interred close to King Edward on Saturday, Avhen the -work of the restoration of the chapel is completed their bodies will be removed to their final resting place. This will be a specially constructed sarcophagus adjoining the altar Avhere Queen Alexandra and King Edward knelt at their Avedding. In the sarcophagus they .will be placed side by side, the coffins practically touching. Only the Royal Family and intig>ate friend® will be present at the actual committal. The public Avill he excluded after the service. The body will 'be lowered through the floor and then carried to the Royal tomb house. Already the shops and hotels on the short route from the station to the castle haA’e been inundated Avith requests for accommodation. Forty pounds were- asked for a single room in one hotel with <a AvindoAV overlooking the route. Thus far all are booked out.