ROYAL HOSTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19337, 29 May 1937, Page 16

ROYAL HOSTS

PALACE BANQUET .INFORMAL ATMOSPHERE stories oi’ Princesses LONDON, May 14. The banquet at Buckingham Palace last night in honour, of the Dominion Prime Ministers and members of the Cabinets will go down in history as un« of the most roniavkablc gatherings of the present generation. Not only was jt outstandingly the most brilliant social event sitioo the war, but it was also the occasion of a. notable series of informal conversations between the King and Dominion Ministers. A third ingredient—almost paradoxical in such a setting, but typical oi the lloyal Family—was the atmosphere of homelike friendliness in which the King, who wore the brilliant uniform of a field-! marshal, the Queen and* Queen Mary, mingled with the guests after the dinner. Adoring Grandmother Queen Mary Was in a specially happy mood and disclosed a vein of pleasant informality hitherto unsuspected by many whoso chief impression formerly had been of her regal dignity and reserve. She revealed herself as an adoring grandmother, and in the eourso of a long chat with Mr. and Mrs. Casey, of Australia, told charming stories of the pranks of the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Ilosc, who obviously are the chief joy of her life. She related liow Princess Margaret Hose slept soundly for the greater part of the return procession from the Abbey on Coronation Day. The little Princess, unused to early vising and long ceremonies, waved a polite acknowledgment of the wild public enthusiasm as long as she could keep her eyes open, find then sleepily said, ‘ > can’t do it any longer,” and sank back in a- corner of tlnvcarriage to sleep. She was not aware of anything more until tlie Palace was readied. Princess in Disgrace Both the Princesses, Queen Mary said, are very enthusiastic gardeners, but they cannot resist the temptation to pluck (lowers the moment they appear. Princess Margaret Hose, who is always dashing into the garden at inappropriate times, got into serious trouble with Nannie,"her nurse, tLio other day, shortly before an important function, by soiling her face through .smelling a black tulip. The flower blackened her nose, and she had to -be taken, away and washed, which inado her lato. However, duly chastened, she apologised to the important visitor and asked him to have a good look and see if her face was thoroughly presentable. King’B Talks with Ministers Tho King and Queen looked splendid, and did not show any signs of fatigue. Tho King, from time to tone, drew a Dominion Minister aside and talked with him about hia own country’s affair’s. -He conversed, with Sir Arch'dalo Parkhill, tho Australian Minister of Defenco, longer than .with most. The Duke of Gloucester, who had a long chat with Mr. Lyons and Dame I-inid and Mr. Casey, was the only one present who noticed that Mr. Casey had forgotten to wear a sword, which is mi important part of the State dress. “What arb yon doing without your sword?” This is terrible,” he said laughingly to Mr. Casey, who was then for the first tirno aware of tho omission.

Many of tho guests gained tho jrri. prcssioii that tho King and Queen are very keen to mako an Empiro tour in a year or two.