RUMANIAN CORONATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18224, 18 October 1922, Page 9

RUMANIAN CORONATION

J REMARKABLE PAGEANTRY. DUKE OF YORK PRESENT. | A. and N.Z. BUCHABEST, Oct. 18. Sibiiu, the historial capital of Transylvania, was the scene of remarkable pageantry during the crowning of King Ferdinand and Queen Marie. All day long there were dazzling spectacles in which the splendour of the East mingled with the dignified ceremonial of the West. The Duke of York, represented Britain. Queen Elizabeth of Greece, Prince Paul of Yugoslavia, the Italian Crown Prince, and other royalties were present,. sJso Marshal Foch. The Rumanian King and Queen received a tumultuous reception as they drove to the cathedral. Three squadrons of aeroplanes buzzed overhead. The pre- i liminary religious service was celebrated j by the Primate of the Greek Orthodox | Church, assisted by patriarchs from every ; corner of Transylvania. As they left the church Their Majesties ; were greeted by 500 officers, each carry- ! ing regimental colours. Their Majesties mounted a canopied dais. Behind the dais were church dignitaries and troops. Just before the crowning scores of countrymen dressed in sheepskins penetrated the ranks of soldiers and lined up beside the dais, their wives and daughters singing Rumanian folk songs. When the singing ended the President of the Senate brought an iron crown made from cannon captured from the Turks at Plevna. After the King had crowned himself the Queen knelt and tb.e King placed on her head a crown of gold and diamonds, rubies and emeralds, amid the cheers of £iO,OOO people and the salute of 101 guns.