When Royalty Visits

Southland Times, Issue 22499, 8 December 1934, Page 21

When Royalty Visits

The public little realize the elaborate arrangements and precautions which have to be made and taken when Royal visitors take up temporary residence in the home of any of their subjects. When the King, Queen, or Prince of Wales do this the local police, sanitary authorities, and Scotland Yard have all to make plans beforehand. The drains of the house destined to be honoured with Royal residence are thoroughly examined and overhauled, and the water supply exhaustively tested. All the locks in the doors are looked over and defective ones repaired. The police have the duty of protecting the house and barring the entry into'the grounds of any unauthorized visitors Strangers in the locality where Royalty is residing are always closely watched. Special police officers are there “incog.,” and, of course, the detective Royal guard are particularly vigilant during these visits. A list of all the guests who are to join the house party as well as luncheon, dinner and other “callers” must always be submitted long beforehand for Royal approval Any “doubtful” individual has no chance whatever of sitting at the same table as Royalty, and it is a rule rigorously kept.

As guests, both the King and Queen are ideal. They like to see a typical English home, and dislike any fuss or flurry. The host who pleases their Majesties is the one who gives them the traditional British hospitality, and who succeeds in bringing together a congenial house party.