Coronets and Pearls

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 274, 9 February 1928, Page 1

Coronets and Pearls

BRILLIANT PARLIAMENTARY PAGEANT

Magnificent Stage Setting

By Cable. — Pres* Association. — Copyright.

LONDON, Tuesday. PERS in scarlet and ermine, with jewelled and gor-geously-gowned peeresses at their sides, bishops, diplomats and lawyers, made a brilliant pageant in the House of Lords on the occasion of the King’s opening of Parliament to-day. ipHE spectacle was the same as for centuries past. The actors, both great and small, change but the ritual Is unchanging. The peers were seated on the floor of the Chamber. The bishops were ranged in a row, and ’diplomats sat tier on tier in their space. Lawyers, in wigs, were grouped around the woolsack. One of the most magnificent pieces of stage-management in the world was here to be seen. Rays of light from the great chandeliers picked out the dazzling coronets and ropes of pearls worn by the peeresses. Then suddenly, without warning, the lights were extinguished and a lovelier, dimmer radiance fell over all through the stained glass windows while the entire assemblage awaited the King. Five minutes elapsed, the Chamber meantime being filled with the buzz of subdued conversation. Then the lights at half-power glowed softly like golden oranges. On the very stroke of midday the King, wearing his massive crown and the Royal robes, and surrounded by the great officers of State, slowly entered the Chamber. The lights flashed up and the Chamber was flooded with an unrivalled magnificence. Everybody stood. The King bowed, then slowly took his seat on the Throne, and said: “My Lords. Pray be seated.” Pages of honour draped a train like a red cascade over the steps, and pomp and majesty was at its height- There was no hurry or

hustle. Everything was in place. In silence the brilliant gathering sat awaiting the arrival of the faithful Commons at the Black Rod’s summons. When the members of the House of Commons had filed in ana taken their places the Speech was handed to His Majesty who, still sitting, read it in a clear voice which echoed through the Chamber.—A. and N.Z.