LATE KING’S FOUR SONS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIX, 29 January 1936, Page 6

LATE KING’S FOUR SONS

MOUNT GUARD OVER FATHER’S BODY “MAGNIFICENT AND THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY” FILIAL VIGIL OF HALF AN HOUR UNANNOUNCED AND ALMOST UNNOTICED (United Presß Association— By Electric Telegraph —Copyright) LONDON, 27th January. King Edward VIII and his brothels arrived at Westminster Hall by ear just before midnight, unannounced. Almost unnoticed by the crowds they advanced slowly into the hall and took up positions beside the bier. The King was in the full dress uniform of Coloiiel-in-Chiet of the Welsh Guards, the Duke ot York in full Air Force dress, the Duke o Gloucester in the uniform of the tenth Hussars and the Duke of Kent in full dress naval uniform. An official on duty at Westminster Hail said the authorities were unaware that the King and his Brothers intended to mount guaia until Id minutes Wsfore they ar* rived. “It was magnificent and the first time in history that there has been such a scene,” he said. Ihe Kind and his brothers stood motionless at their posts, the hilts <'f their swords resting on the ground and heads bowed, while crowds passed bv on cither side of the catafalque. Only a mere handful seemed to realise the dramatic scene they were witnessing. The only person really recognisable was the Duke of Kent, the tallest, whose face was less shadowed by his headdress. The King wearing the bearskin of the Welsh Guards, could not be recognised unless people were looking for him.” The King and the Duke of Gloucester stood at the bead of the coffin and the Duke of York and the Duke of Kent at the foot and did a full half-hour on g Tfter the filial vigil, ■ the King and his brothel's quietly ieit the hall. >} the King’s special request the waiting crowds were not halted. It is estimated that between 7000 and 8000 people filing reverently by saw the King s foul sons standing with heads bowed uy the coffin.