Royal Shoppers.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8, 23 February 1907, Page 36

Royal Shoppers.

Quite an interesting little page of history- might be written in regard to Royalty- and shopping. In the books of a famous old firm which were dissolved about six years ago, there were repeated entries as to the visits of King George HI., with his daughters, when it was customary to ask any who might be in the shop on their arrival to leave. The doors

were then closed, and it is stated that the Princesses would themselves open drawers and boxes in the quest for pretty things. It is believed tliat Queen Victoria only onee entered a shop during the whole ot her long reign. Her Majesty established the custom, which King Edward and Queen Alexandra have continued, of commanding large selections to be sent to the Palace, from which they can make their choice. . The shopkeepers receive instructions from members of the household that the Queen wishes to see goods of a particular class, it may be of jewellery, enamel, silver, the equipment of the boudoir or writing table, or whatever else is desired, and considerable latitude is allowed as to what may be sent in. A day for their arrival is fixed, and they are forwarded in charge of a responsible member of the firm. He can have as many tables as he requires for the display of his wares in the rooms set apart for the purpose, and every separate item must bear a label with the name of the firm from which it comes and the price. The Lady in Waiting may be informed of any features of interest, to be laid before the Queen, who always devotes much time to her task of selection, and endeavours to find what she thinks will be pleasing to the honoured recipient. Although Queen Alexandra Joes not visit the shops in London, she often does so at Windsor, and two years ago. with Queen Amelie of Portugal, as well as

recently with Queen Maud of Norway, she spent some time at different eouip ters choosing old enrios or quaint trifles that appealed to her fancy. Abroad, too, at Copenhagen, or during the cruises of the Royal yacht, when her Majesty lands she explores the shops for characteristic! souvenirs, while picture-postcards for the Royal children are also largely pur* ehased. Queen Amelie when in town went to many of the leading shops, and bought largely, especially of English china, which enjoys great favour at the foreign courts. It is not long since the Tsar presented the Empress of Russia with a lovely tea-set, made in England, every piece bearing her private cypher. During the visit of the King of Spain prior to his marriage he visited many, shops, and the household linen for use in the private apartments of the Queen was entirely purchased here, an old custom of the Court of Spain being that the Sovereign’s bride should bring this from her own country. The princesses of our own Royal house generally go to the shops themselves to make their own purchases, their rule being to visit them rather early in the clay, and before they have become crowded.