ROUTE BEFLAGGED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23381, 24 June 1939, Page 15

ROUTE BEFLAGGED

CROWDS IN LONDON: TRIUMPHAL DRIVE LOYALTY DEMONSTRATED HUSH AT THE CENOTAPH By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright British Wireless LONDON, June 22 Right to its end Their Majesties' journey across the Atlantic and to the other side of the American continent and back lias been a triumph. The warmth of the acclaim accorded them to-day at Southampton, in the streets of London and at Buckingham Palace, bespoke the happiness of their loyal subjects to have their Sovereigns home again. Also it betokened the gratitude of the people for a service uniquely rendered by the llnval travellers in creating understanding and friendship in Canada and the United States.

Not content with the greeting rendered in thunderous cheers ns Their Majesties drove in their carriage with a I'oval escort from Waterloo station to the Palace along n route beflagged and packed with waving throngs, people formed a compact, shouting mass outside the Palace gates, calling for the King and Queen until Their Majesties appeared on the balcony accompanied by the Princesses. Then, for nearly 10 minutes, wave after wave of . cheers rose from the enthusiastic crowds. Day of Family Reunion

For Their Majesties it was a day too of family reunion. At Waterloo station they were received by the Lord Lieutenant of the County of London, by the Prime Minister, Mr. Chamberlain, and members of the Cabinet and by representatives of civic authorities. The Diplomatic Corps was represented by the Brazilian Ambassador. Mr. J. P. (Kennedy, American Ambassador, was also present, and the King spoke to him for some moments.

After family greetings at Waterloo station, the King shook hands with the Prime Minister. The keynote of the crowd's enthusiasm was "welcome home!"

The cheering was hushed as the carriage passed the Cenotaph, the King saluted and the Queen bowed her head. Cheering broke out again when the King's arm fell, and was continued down Whitehall and along the Mall. 50,000 People Outside Palace

It is estimated that more than 50,000 people were gathered outside the Palace. Their Majesties had 110 sooner entered than the crowd began to chant: "We want the King," alternating with patriotic songs, until the Royal Family appeared. The crowd lingered singing until nearly nine o'clock, when Their Majesties again appeared on the balcony. A radio engineer at Guernsey states that he saw Their Majesties on tho Palace balcony clearly depicted on a television screen 200 miles away. In thanksgiving for the safe return of the King and Queen solemn Te Deum will be sung at St. Paul's on Sunday.