ROYAL VISIT TO FRANCE

Southland Times, Issue 23544, 25 June 1938, Page 7

ROYAL VISIT TO FRANCE

BEREAVEMENT CAUSES CHANGE IN DATE

LONDON SEASON WILL NOT BE AFFECTED (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) LONDON, June 23. The King’s participation in the unveiling of the Australian war memorial at Villers-Bretonneux (France) has not been altered as a result of the death of the Countess of Strathmore, mother of the Queen. It is officially announced that their Majesties will visit Paris from July 19 to 22 and will unveil the memorial on July 22. After a period of suspense the postponement of the visit to Paris to July 19 was announced, with an indication that the suggestion came from the French President (M. Albert Lebrun) and. that their Majesties were deeply appreciative of his motives and gladly accepted the suggestion. The news of the countess’s death shocked Paris. Strangers stopped British visitors in the streets and expressed sympathy. Everybody is delighted that a solution has been-found permitting the Queen to accompany the King. Condolences were received at Buckingham Palace from all parts of the

world, including messages from . his Holiness the Pope and King Victor Emmanuel of Italy. The Countess of Strathmore will be buried at Glamis Castle on June 27. An official announcement states: “The Lord Chamberlain has been authorized to announce that no. commands for Court mourning will be issued by the King. Their Majesties will observe family mourning as will also the members of the Royal Household in attendance on their Majesties.” Queen Mary drove to Buckingham Palace this morning and remained some time with their Majesties. Several other members of the Royal Family also called to offer condolences to the Queen. At the Changing of the Guard the band which usually plays during the ceremony was not present. All of the Queen’s immediate engagements have been cancelled. The reception at Buckingham Palace to delegates *to the International Red Cross Conference was held as arranged this afternoon. The King and Queen Mary received the delegates. The Queen was not present. It is understood that the decision against Court mourning was to avoid interference with the London season. Members of the Royal Family will fulfil their engagements in the ordinary way, and the two Courts arranged for July 5 and 6 will take place, athough the King will probably be present without the Queen.