PRINCESS MARY'S FIRST BALL.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1728, 19 April 1913, Page 11

PRINCESS MARY'S FIRST BALL.

y . It is many years since so youthful a spirit has animated the English court, writes tho London correspondent of llio "Australasian" of March 7. On 'Puetd.-.y night the King and Queen gave the first private dance which has been held at Buckingham Palace for ii. deende. Tho ; last was in-19011. and was a more ceremonious affair than , this week's. Thq needs of her eldest son and daughter have doubtless suggested to Queen Mary the necessity for relaxing somo of tho vijjid rules which controlled Royal entertainments in the Victorian and Edwardiam eras. _ On Tuesday,- many young oißcers were invited without the heads of their regiments. Noblewomen with, youug daughters were given a. preference over others who were on more intimate terms with the court. When. King Edward was Prince of Wales it was the custom to ask no young men to .Marlborough House who were not known to the Princess as well as to the Prince.' The present King and Queen have not thought it necessary to preserve that rule. In all, 400 guests were invited. The Prince of Wales came up specially from Oxford. Other members of the Royal Family present were the Duke and Duchess of Teck, Princess Louise, and Prince Louis of Battenberg,. with his two 1 daughters. Tho guests began to arrive at half-past nine, and there was no Eoval procession as at a State ball. The' King aud Queen received their friends in tho same manner as a private host and hostess. The Royal Quadrille at the opening of the ball was omitted. Instead, tho Royalties selected their partners from among the general companv. The rule of /sending equerries for'those guests with whom the King and Queen wished to converse was also relaxed, their Majesties walking, freely through the ballroom and talking informally. Neither uniforms noi orders were worn. The costume of tho evening for men was the ordinary evening dress of tho court—a dress coat with knee-breeches and silk stockings. Princess Mary thoroughly enjoyed her.first Eoyal ball. The Queen, who is an enthusiastic dancer. UNo had a well-filled programme, and missed few of tho dano°.s.