The King’s Coronation.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIX, Issue VII, 16 August 1902, Page 406

The King’s Coronation.

The dawn of Coronation Day was inaugurated by the booming of cannon at Hyde Park and the Tower. The route of the Royal procession was occupied by six o’clock by 12,000 police and 30,000 soldiers, including the colonials and Indians, who lined Whitehall. Some Indian cavalry were included in the escort.’

The route to and from the Abbey was as originally arranged. Millions of spectators lined the route, and flags, festoons and Venetian masts, though not so numerous as in June, still made a brave show, especially in St. James-street, where the colonial stands were situated, Parliament-street, Parliament Square, and facing Westminster Hall. These were the great features and centres of the crowds of spectators. The King’s nurses and medical men were among the early arrivals at the Abbey, and ambulance corps of male and female nurses were in the retiring rooms and other precincts.

Noblemen in the usual State coaches contributed to the splendour of the scene, the line of equipages stretching from the Abbey to Victoria station four deep. The officials, Royalties and distinguished foreign representatives used the Whitehall route, and the crowds loudly acclaimed many leading personages in the pageant, such as Lords Kitchener, Wolseley, Roberts and the Prince I’fismokonem, representing the Abvssinian ruler.

The meeting of Lords Kitchener and Roberts in front of Buckingham Palace led to immense cheering, also the arrival of Mr. Chamberlain and the colonial Premiers, particularly Sir W. Laurier and Mr. Seddon. The last-named, with bis wife, was among the earliest arrivals. AT THE ABBEY. Westminster Abbey presented an appearance of great magnificence. The galleries were so arranged as to avoid hiding the leading architectural fer lures and contour of the building. The nave, choir and galleries behind them were lined with provincial mayors, representative working men. Nonconformist delegates, past and present Imperial Ministers and their wives, officers and their wives, all the Agents-General and their wives. All w< re uniforms or court or levee dresses, and the brilliant colours, in which the magnificent gala dresses of the Indian rajahs were conspicuous, made a splendid picture. A new carpet, laid from the west door of the Abbey to the dais or platform which was raised three steps at the intersection of the choir transept ami chancel, made a magnificent groundwork for the rich parterre of colours, which ran like a ribbon on each side The dais was covered wi+h a magnificent Indian carpet, and accommodated two large enthroning chairs. A BRILLIANT SIGHT. The north and south transepts were occupied with slightly sloping galleries. In the south were the peers .n their scarlet robes or mantles md fur tippet capes, carrying their coronets in front.

The chairs facing the dais were occupied by the Prince of Wales and the Dukes cl' Connaught and Cambridge. Tn the north transept were the peeresses in court dresses, with scarlet trains and wearing coronets. Such a wealth of diamonds was never before seen.

Above the peers and peeresses extended galleries accommodating Commoners and their wives, a few being in mourning, but most in court or levee costumes, nnd some in brilliant uniforms. Many ladies wore ostrich feathers.

The spectacle of the two transepts was the most brilliant piece of colour in the whole pageant. The flash of diamonds in the peeresses’ gallery, especially on the trains and skirta of the ladles-in-walting, when they arrived at the foot of the platform, was like ripples of sunshine on rough water, or the scintillation of dewdrops in the morning sunlight.

THE PROCESSIONS. The clergy went in procession from the choir, carrying the spurs, staff, orb, chalice, paten and King Edward’s crown, and handed them to the officers of State selected to carry them. The Queen and her supporters and officers of state were the first to eome up the nave. The Queen wore a magnificent robe, the train being carried by eight pages in scarlet, the Mistress of the Robes supporting the terminal of the trains, hers in turn being supported by pages in blue. The Queen passed across the chancel to the faldstool facing the line of bishops grouped under the northern wall of the chancel, and immediately under a box containing the Princess of Wales and her children. Her immediate supporters were the Bishops of Oxford and Norwich, and on the extreme right at the soutih end of the altar stood the Abbey clergy, seven or eight wearing magnificent terracotta copes. THE KING. The King’s procession followed, the officers of state carrying the insignia as arranged. The King, with the Bishops of Bath and Wells and Durban as immediate supporters, knelt at the faldstool adjoining that of the Queen. The Archbishop of Canterbury, in a loud voice, proceeded with the Recognition, which took place at the faldstool instead of the dais, the King being presented to the west only. The people shouted, “God Save King Edward.” The Litany was omitted and the Communion service commenced with the introit, “Oh, hearken Thou unto the voice of my calling, my King, and my God; for unto Thee will I make my prayer.” In the third prayer, which commences: “Oh, God, Who provides!,” the Archbishop of Canterbury introduced the words: “For whose recovery we give Thee hearty thanks.” The Bishop of Ely read the epistle and the Bishop of Winchester the gospel.

The choir sang the Nicene creed to Wesley’s setting. The sermon was omitted. THE OATH. The Archbishop of Canterbury administered the oath, to which the King replied in a voice that could be heard half-way down the Abbey. His four responses showed a firmness of tone that might have been that of some strong and healthy man. His Majesty then kissed the great Bible presented by the Archbishop. THE ANOINTING. The anointing of the King proceeded under a canouy as prescribed in the service. The King, having moved to the Coronation chair, the Archbishop presented the golden spurs, and the sword was laid by the side of the King and not girded on. The King having assumed the Armilia, the Lord Great Chamberlain clasped its girdle. Afterwards the rings, the two sceptres, and the glove were presented by the Lord of the Manor of Worksop. Having been touched with the Rod of Equity, the King was invested with the Imperial Mantle and Pallium. THE CROWNING. One of the Bishops instead of Dean Bradley handed the crown to the Archbishop, who placed it on the King’s head, the latter holding a sceptre in each hand. At this instant the electric light was turned on and the congregation in the Abbey cheered, the bells clanged, and the guns from the Tower were heard booming in the distance. This section of the service ended with the choir singing the words, “Be strong and play the man. Keep the Commandments of the Lord Thv God, and walk in His ways.” Tire presentation of the Bible followed. Than came two prayers, the Benediction, and the Archbishop’s address to the people, after which the ceremony of enthronisation was commenced, the Te Deum being postponed and sung during the recess. The King, on leaving the Coronation chair, ascended the dais with firm steps and without assistance, though wearing the crown and pallium and carrying the two sceptres. The officiating clexgy surrounded him.

THE BLIND ARCHBISHOP. The Archbishop of Canterbury with great difficulty ascended the dais, requiring assistance and nearly falling owing to physical infirmity, though his voice was powerful. He was so blind that in all his movements he was led by the bishops. An attendant placed before him at every long prayer a scroll 4ft long and 2ft wide, on which the prayer was printed in large -P,?’ was held by a bishop. u e Archbishop of Canterbury made many mistakes in reading, though he read exceedingly slowly. The enthronisation, or lifting of the King into the throne, consisted of the Archbishop of Canterbury slightly raising the King’s hands in his while the. King was in the act of setting down. HOMAGE TO THE KING. After the ceremony of exaltation the Archbishop of Canterbury did homage to the King. He knelt with the utmost difficulty and the King and two bishops helped him to rise. He then kissed the King on both cheeks. The Archbishop nearly collapsed in descending the dais. Two bishops and an attendant were required to assist him. He was supported towards hia chair at the north end of the altar, where he stopped. The Prince of Wales then doffed his coronet and did homage to the King, warmly kissing him and shaking his hands. Afterwards selected peers paid homage, touching the crown and kissing the King’s cheek, the choir meanwhile singing the anthem, “Kings Shall See and Arise.” When the paying of homage had ended, the people shouted amidst the beating of drums and the blaring of trumpets, “God Save King Edward!” “Long Live King Edward!” “May the King live for ever!” THE CROWNING OF THE QUEEN. Up till now the Queen had remained at her faldstool. She now advanced and knelt on a cushion on the steps of the altar, where the Archbishop of York conducted her coronation as prescribed. The Queen was anointed under a canopy held by four duchesses. The Archbishop of York presented her with sceptres and ring and a new crown, replacing the circlet which she had worn till now. THE COMMUNION SERVICE. The celebration of the Holy Communion followed, the power of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s voice at this portion of the service showing that he had recovered from his emotion and physical strain. The King and Queen having made their prescribed oblations at the altar, the Archbishop of Canterbury administered the Sacrament to himself and Dean Bradley before the King and Queen, as prescribed. The Archbishop of Canterbury was so blind that walking along the front of the altar without a bishop’s guidance he groped his way, feeling along the edge of the table, and holding the paten so much askew that the holy elements nearly slipped on to the floor.

Dean Bradley, who is also exceedingly infirm, when carrying the communion cup from the Queen to the table, his knees gave way, and two bishops ran to his assistance. Apart from this physical contretemps, the entire service went most smoothly, there being no confusion in the processions or anything else. Stainer’s “Gloria” was magnificently rendered. AFTER THE CEREMONY. The whole of the Coronation office having been performed the King and Queen retired into St. Edward’s Chapel, where they partook of slight refreshments. During the recess the “Te Denin” was sung. The King changed his pallium for an ermine and purple velvet pallium mantle of State, and the Royal crown for a new crown of greater brilliancy. THE RETURN PROCESSIONS. The Queen’s procession was the first to leave the Abbey, Her Majesty wearing a new crown containing the famous Kohlnoor diamond and carry*

fng two sceptres. The King's prcx'ession followed, His Majesty carrying the orb. These insignia were handed to State officers in the annexe, and the Sovereigns rode, wearing their crowns, through the streets to the Palace.

They received immense acclamations within and without the Abbey. The King appeared to have borne the ceremony well. He wore a cape of State from entering the Abbey until the crowning ceremony.

NEW ZEALAND VISITORS. Besides a large number of distinguished visitors from the Commonwealth the following New Zealanders were invited and virtually were present:—The Hon. A. J. Cadman, Dr. and Mrs Hosking, the Revs. S. Anson and A. Wood, Mrs S. Heaton Rhodes, Mr T. C. Williams, Mr Cecile Lascelles, Dr. and Mrs Finlay, Lady Douglas, Mr and Mrs Tlrorne Greyson (? George), Mrs Oliver, Major and Mrs Grey, Mr and Mrs Frank Dyer. ROYAL VISITORS. Amongst the Royal visitors were the Grand Duke of Hesse, Prince George and Prince Andrew of Greece, the Prince and Princess Henry of Prussia, the Crown Prince and Princess of Denmark and Greece. THE REGALIA. The regalia for the ceremony was taken to the Abbey yesterday, where it was guarded by the Beefeaters. THE FIRST SALUTE. Notwithstanding wet weather the Suva Coronation celebration was a success. The Government Administrator reviewed the local forces and Naval Brigade, and the warship Pylades fired what was the first salute in the Empire, on account of Fiji’s geographical position (being close on the 180th degree of longitude). This was followed by a salute from the German cruiser Cormoran. ADDITIONAL DETAILS. The Australian cricketers witnessed the Coronation from the Baroness Burdett Coutts’ house, Piccadilly, and afterwards lunched with the Baroness. On the right and left of the choir were galleries occupied by the King’s distinguished visitors, by the German representatives and princesses, and the Princess of Wales and her children. SKETCHING THE SCENE. In the two adjoining alcoves, hidden from the public view, were Mr Edwin Abbey and a French artist, busily engaged in sketching the scene. Mr Long-staff, the Australian artist, was present in another part of the building. There were various processions to the Abbey in the Royal carriages, conducting distinguished foreign visitors, and the Indian princes. The Prince of Wales’ procession was loudly cheered. The King’s procession, with the State coach and the Life Guards’ escort, aroused immense cheering. HOW THE KING LOOKED. The King looked the picture of health. He was quite alert, and called the Queen’s attention to several objects of interest on the route. He seemed immensely gratified at the enormous enthusiasm of his welcome. As each procession reached the Abbey the Duke of Norfolk and the officers of State received and marshalled it in the magnificent new annexe, a large temporary building at the west end of the Abbey. When the Prince of Wales’ procession passed up the nate the choir of Westminster schoolboys, who were skied in the clerstory with, the reporters and stray visitors unaccommodated elsewhere, used their ancient privilege of cheering in the Latin tcngue. THE CHOIR. The magnificent augmented choir were heard to perfection throughout the service. Their first item, “Now thank we all our God,” gave the keynote to the tone of the entire service.

**A DEVOTIONAL CEREMONY. However much spectators might admire the gorgeous pageant from its spectacular aspects, and however greatly they may have been struck by the incessant stream of the flower of Jlritish aristocracy in their traditional splendour, of the Ministers, rulers and builders of the Empire,-and the representatives of its military and naval greatness, yet the predominant feature to all observers was the devotional and religious character of the ceremony. Even the welcome of the Westminster Boys, “Vlvat Rex Edwardus, vivat Regina Alexandra,” and the shouts of the audience, “God Save the King,” ofter the completion of the actual crowning, sounded harshly amongst everything else, which, though brilliant in colouring and joyous in suggestiveness, was full of solemnity.

In response to sustained demonstrations at the Palace, the King, robed and crowned, appeared on the balcony, and had an immense reception, which was renewed when he invited Queen Alexandra to join him. They remained bowing to the crowd for some minutes. ROYAL ENTERTAINMENT. The King entertained 100 adults and 600 children at Sandringham to dinner and tea. The Prince of Wales entertained a thousand orphans at Marlborough House. The children witnessed the procession, and were served with lunch. Orderly crowds, sing-ing the National Anthem, paraded the route through the principal thoroughfares from the Bank to Hyde Park until two o’clock in the morning. THE ILLUMINATIONS. Marlborough House, the Royal residences, the Government offices, the bridges, the clubs, the newspaper offices, and theatres were brilliantly illuminated. The Canadian Arch, newly decorated, was a great attraction, while the Bank, the Mansion House, and the Exchange were the centres of attraction in the city. General rejoicings were held in the provinces. Many of the postponed functions took place. The fleet at Portsmouth was dressed with bunting, and illuminated like the naval review. Thanksgiving services were held at St. Patrick’s Church Cathedral, and in the Dublin Cathedral. FOREIGN FLEETS’ SALUTES. The Italian fleet at Corfu, and the Greek fleet at Phaleson, fired salutes of 101 guns at noon, and were illuminated at night. Coronation services were held throughout India, where there was keen and universal rejoicing. THE KING’S HEALTH. The last bulletin shows that the King bore the strain of the ceremony perfectly well, and experienced very little fatigue. His Majesty also had a good night, and his general condition is in every way satisfactory.