Dutch Queen To Pay State Visit To London

Wanganui Chronicle, 21 November 1950, Page 5

Dutch Queen To Pay State Visit To London

LONDON, Nov. 20 (Recd. 6pm).— The face of London will be a little gayer this week in honour of the three-day State visit of the Queen of the Nethcralnds and Prince Bernhardt beginning tomorrow. Buildings have been decorated with bunting, and Londoners will have their first view of the newly-installed system of flood-lighting at Buckingham Palace. Stronger beams will be thrown on the dull Portland stone and also on the balcony where the Dutch Royal pair are expected to appear after th? State banquet. A full programme has been arranged, including a dinner given by Mr. Bevin the Foreign Secretary, at his official home in Carlton Gardens. The King and Queen will also be present* The Netherlands have the reputation of having cut some of the most famous diamonds in the world, and Queen Juliana is said to be bringing with her outstanding pieces of the Netherland Crown Jewels, a collection which is second only to the British Crown jewels. It is stated that Queen Juliana has forbidden curtseying in her palace. “Why should my subjects bow and curtsey to me.” she asked once. She has remarked, however, that if the people insist on curtseying to her in London, she will naturally concur, though it will be against her principles. _