RUMANIAN ROYAL TOUR

Otago Witness, Issue 3662, 20 May 1924, Page 21

RUMANIAN ROYAL TOUR

ARRIVAL IN BRITAIN. LONDON, May 12. Following on their visits to France. Switzerland, and Belgium, the King an 1 Queen of Rumania were this morning escorted across the English Channel by four British destroyers and five aeroplanes. They landed at Dover, wher' they were met by the Prince of Wales, and the party entrained to London. On arirval there they were cordially welcomed by the King and Queen, Air Ramsay AlacDonald, and other Ministers and distinguished personages. WELCOAIED TO THE GUILDHALL. LONTDON, Alay 13. The King and Queen of Rumania had a great reception in the city when they drove to tlve Guildhall to receive an address of welcome from the city in a gold casket in the presence of the Prince ot V ales, the Duke and Duchess of York, Prince Henry, Prince and Princess Arthur of Connaught, and other oyalties, Air Ramsay MacDonald, Aliss MacDonald, all the principal Secretaries of State Air Churchill, Air Baldwin, and All Asquith. The Lord Mayor, in a speech, recalled that this was the first occasion their Alajesties had ceremonially visited England since their accession in 1914. He referred to the increase of British commercial interests in Rumania. The King of Rumania, in replying, said they rejoiced that the dear city of London appreciated the efforts of Rumania to recover herself. He was convinced that Britain would continue to support her endeavours by strengthening and developing British trade with Rumania, whose potentialities in oil and other products offered a wide field for the activity of British capital and trade. LAVISH DECORATIONS. LONDON, Alay 15. The State ball was the most brilliant Court function since pre-war. The first guests arrived in broad daylight, thence a continuous stream filled the State apartments from 9 o’clock upwards. The Palace was lavishly decorated with masses of rambler roses and blue hy-

drangeas. The scene in the ballroom was a dazzling display ot colour and jewels, when the Royal processsion, headed by the two Kings and Queens, entered. Their Majesties immediately led a stately quadrille, “ D’lionneur,” with which State balls always open. After this the band played a waltz tune and dancers filled the floor. Queen Alary wore a gown of shot silver and pink liamame tissue, heavily embroidered in diamonds and pearls, with a crown of diamonds in which was set the lesser stars of Africa, cut from the famous Cullinan diamond.