Presented at Court

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1026, 17 July 1930, Page 10

Presented at Court

NEW ZEALANDERS PRIVILEGED

ALTHOUGH there are many disappointments in London through lists being full when the society season opens and it is time for their Majesties to hold Court, special privileges are accorded to overseas visitors and few who are eligible are denied the opportunity of being presented. This yeai* applications were especially heavy aiid it became necessary to hold a special court early this month, when seven New Zealanders, including one Aucklander, curtsied before the Throne.

A Court presentation is indeed a memorable occasion. The scene is a dazzling one which, unfortunately, cannot be realised and enjoyed until long custom has enabled one to feel perfectly at home. To the novice the brilliant company on the dais is generally a confused blur with the figures of the King and Queen alone clear and distinct. His Majesty is always in uniform, either naval or miltary, wearing his orders, and the Queen, with her peculiarly stately presence, is an imposing and beautiful figure at his side. A blaze of colour and a flash of jewels, a flutter and a stir make the occasion unique and one which can never be forgotten. Procedure at these Courts is governed by a number of rigid laws, both written and unwritten. English people have to send in their names in January and even then may not be sure of presentation. Visitors from the Dominions overseas who desire to join the gay company must send their names to the High Commissioner for their country, who will forward them to the Lord Chamberlain for submission to the King. Speaking generally, presentees must be on the Government House list of any colony or State, or must be the wives of Ministers, members of Parliament, officers of the Army or Navy, distinguished citizens, or those who have rendered service to their country. The High Commissioner is personally responsible for his nominee.

The opinion is held widely that Americans are accorded the same privileges in this way as are presentees from overseas, but this is not so. Americans are admitted under tbe same rules as other foreigners, and only a very limited number can be presented every year.

The official regulations for the dress of those attending the Courts are neither complicated nor excessive, but they are very definite, and must be obeyed strictly.

Ladies must wear court trains, which should not exceed two yards in length, and should not extend more than IS inches from the heel of the wearer when standing. Her veil must not be longer than 45in.. and must be surmounted by three small ostrich feathers on the head. The centre feather must be a little higher than the two side ones. They are worn slightly to the left-hand side of the head, and are mounted as a Prince of Wales’s plume, the tulle veil being attached to the base of the feathers. There are no restrictions about the colour of dresses or gloves, but coloured feathers are inadmissible, although black featners can be worn by those in deep mourning. Lace lappets are also perfectly correct. Short skirts are frowned upon at Court, and anyone who tries to elude the regulations as to the length of her skirt will not make a good impression. Visitors can go to the Lord Chamberlain's Office, St. James’s Palace, and see the sketches of typical Court dress on view there. The bouquets, once so popular and necessary a part of the costume, are now seldom seen, although they, as well as fans, are officially quite optional. Every woman must arrive in a private car and should be at the Palace some time before the Court opens at 9.30 p.m. Officials are in attendance in large numbers to give directions, and to admit early arrivals into the Throne Room, which has limited seating accommodation. At the door she is told the number of curtsies she should make, and her name is announced as she makes her entry. Her first curtsy is to the King, then three steps sideways and a curtsy to the Queen. The next few paces must also be taken sideways, as it is inconsiderate to turn one’s back on their Majesties.