PRINCES' VIGIL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22406, 30 April 1936, Page 11

PRINCES' VIGIL

PICTORIAL RECORD LYING-IN-STATE INCIDENT QUEEN SECURES PAINTING By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received April 29, 6.5 p.m.) British Wireless RUGBY, April 28 Queen Mary has acquired a picture entitled "The Princes' Vigil," by Frank Beresford, which records the incident when King Edward and his three brothers went to Westminster Hall and remained on guard at the late King George's lying-in-state. Frank Salisbury's picture of the Silver Jubilee thanksgiving service in St. Paul's Cathedral, entitled "Heart of Empire," has also become Her Majesty's property. Both paintings will hang in the Royal Academy's exhibition. King Edward and his brothers arrived at Westminster Hall by motorcar on January 28 just before midnight unannounced and almost unnoticed by the crowds. They advanced slowly into the hali and took up positions beside the bier of their father, the late King George. King Edward wore the full dress uniform of Colonel-in-Chief of the Welsh Guards, the Duke of York full Air Force dress, the Duke of Gloucester the uniform of the 10th Hussars, and the Duke of Kent full dress naval uniform. An official who was on duty in the hall said the authorities were not aware that the King and his brothers i intended to mount guard until 10 [ minutes before they arrived. "It was I magnificent," he said. "It was the ! first time in history there had been I such a scene. The King and his \ brothers stood motionless at their posts, { the hilts of their swords resting on i the ground and their heads bowed I while the crowds passed by on either ! side of the catafalque. A mere hand- ! ful of the mourners seemed to realise j the dramatic scene they were witness- ! ing. The only person really recognisj able was the Duke of Kent, the tallest ' of the Roval brothers, whose face was less shadowed by his head-dress. The King, who was wearing the bearskin of the Welsh Guards, could not be recognised unless people were looking for him." , King Edward and the Duke of Gloucester stood at the head of the coffin and the Duke of York and Duke of Kent at the foot. They remained a full half-hour on guard. After tneir filial vigil the King and his brothers quietly left the hall.