Monday, July 13, 2009

Prince of Wales investiture today

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 July 13, 1911

The investiture of the Prince of Wales, heir apparent to the British throne, took place today at historic Carnarvon Castle in Wales.
The jam in the streets is "practically impassable and food is impossible to buy," reports the New York Times. But "Wales is loyal even if it is hungry, and King George has never been cheered more lustily than he was today."
The cheers for the Prince of Wales were even greater. After his parents and other guests had taken their seats, the prince, "now in peer's robes, was conducted to them in all the pomp and circumstance, preceded by the Garter King of Arms." Prince Edward's face "was white and set, but he behaved himself like a man, and as he slowly walked up the great transept his father's face twitched with emotion and his mother's eyes beamed."
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 The Home Secretary, Winston Churchill  read the warrant. The regalia of the Prince of Wales was brought out, and the King put the coronet on his son's head and "girt him with the sword."

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 King George V and Queen Mary and their son, appeared "spellbound" but the magnificent music sung by Welsh choirs. The New York Times stated that "no Prince had ever so fine a greeting as that given to this slim, fair haired boy."


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1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thank you Marlene, for this very informative posting.

Little, did the then Prince of Wales or his family know of his future. I am interested in the music that was played in 1911. I am interested in the guest list. Nearly a century ago!

I sort of remember the current Prince of Wales's investiture. My most vivid memory of Prince Charles's investiture, was that his brothers Andrew and Edward were too young to attend. I felt that this was very sad. At least, the still beautiful, Princess Anne was able to attend.