FLAG-DRAPED COFFIN

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 18920, 23 January 1936, Page 5

FLAG-DRAPED COFFIN

Pilgrims SOLEMN SANDRINGHAM SCENE Church Of St. Mary Opened To Public SPIRIT OF DEMOCRACY EXEMPLIFIED

(Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Received January 23, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, January 22

While London was acclaiming the new King, a sad procession of pilgrims from all parts of the county, converged at Sandringham as, according to the Queen's express orders, the Church of St. Mary Magdalene was opened to the general public and not merely to the villagers. The first arrivals waited for hours in the cold for the doors to open. They filed slowly past the flag-draped coffin on which lay the Queen's wreath of white chrysanthemums and orchids.

The first to enter were two old women over 80 years of age, who have lived on the Saiidringham. estate all their lives and knew King George from his childhood. The mourners exemplified the democracy so dear to the heart of King George. Wealthy people clad in expensive furs and conventional silk hats and morning suits AValked beside humble agricultural laborers.

King Edward travelled to Saiidringham by rail with the Duke and Duchess of York and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester as the weather was unfavorable for flying. The doctors consider that both the Duchess of York and the Duke of Gloucester, who have been indisposed, are now well enough to travel.

The Queen spent the mtorning attending to a mass of private correspondence. After several hours at her desk, she walked in the sunshine with the Princess Royal. Both were dressed in deepest mourning.

About noon another wreath of pink and white carnations was placed on the coffin, of King George. No card was attached, but it is understood the wreath came from the late King's children.