Pomp And Majesty At Versailles; Parisians' Delight

Northern Advocate, 22 July 1938, Page 5

Pomp And Majesty At Versailles; Parisians' Delight

(Received noon). PARIS, July 21. npHE KING. IN KHAKI UNIFORM OF A FIELD-MARSHAL, ACCOMPANIED BY PRESIDENT LE BRUN AND HIGH MILITARY OFFICIALS, TRAVELLED TO VERSAILLES TO REVIEW 50,000 TROOPS, THE FLOWER OF THE FRENCH ARMY. THERE WERE 500,000 SPECTATORS PRESENT AT THE REVIEW, WHICH WAS STAGED IN THE PRECINCTS OF THE HISTORIC PALACE. Algerian cavalry trotted by, followed by infantry and many famous regiments. Specialised troops from the Maginot Line strode past 24 abreast, and motorised cavalry regiments dashed along. The earth shook as 300 tanks thundered by. Meanwhile. 800 aircraft roared overhead.

The Queen joined the King at luncheon at Versailles among a distinguished company of 250 guests in the Hall of Mirrors of Versailles Palace, where everything was done to reproduce an atmosphere reminiscent of the sunny days of King Louis XIV. A staff of 120 footmen dressed in the livery of the period of Louis XIV, with hair powdered, waited on the guests, who took coffee and liquers in the apartment that Marie Antoinette once used, and then they entered the gallery of the Palace Chapel to hear a performance of the period and other religious music. ■ Their Majesties later drove to Apollo’s Grove, where they were entertained in a manner recalling the time when the Sun King held court. An additional aerial demonstration was held, and the King and the guests walked in the gardens and watched 800 planes in mass manoeuvres. Tiie crowd cheered as the Royal visitors made their way to the station at Versailles through the ranks of gaily-uniformed Spahis and Marines.