THE ROYAL GRACE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 134, 3 December 1938, Page 19

THE ROYAL GRACE

AN INVITATION

STAND IN PALACE COURTYARD

(By Air Mail, from "The Post's" London

Representative.)

LONDON, November 7,

Three New Zealanders returning by the Orford, who will never forget their visit to the Old Country, are Mr. and Mrs. P. N. Denton (Wellington), and their 22-year-old-daughter, Molly. They were invited to stand in the Buckingham Palace courtyard when the King and Queen set out recently for Sandringham.

From the time they arrived in England last July, the New Zealanders were anxious to see the King and Queen. Somehow they seemed always to be unlucky. Where ever they went they were always just too late. So Mr. Denton sent a tactful note to one of the many departments of Buckingham Palace, saying how much he and his wife and daughter would like to have a glimpse of the King and Queen, and asking for a suggestion as to where they might be seen.

Back came a reply inviting them to the Palace courtyard. It was an exciting moment when they were admitted past the high iron railings and conducted to a position indicated by the King himself. They had not long to wait before the Royal car drove slowly past to set out for Sandringham.

The Queen smiled graciously, and waver her hand. The King raised his hat and smiled, too. Mr. Denton, bareheaded, bowed, while his wife and daughter curtsied. Then the Royal car had gone by. They had seen the King and Queen!

Molly Denton was so exhilarated that she gave vent to her delight with a hop, skip, and jump, and a subdued whoop of delight. Just at that moment the King and Queen turned round for another glimpse of ihe New Zealanders. They watched Molly, arid broke into laughter, waving again. Mr. and Mrs. Denton returned • the wave, and then the car disappeared.

This visit to the Palace was the climax of a delightful holiday, which included a motor tour of England and Scotland. Mr. Denton made several important and useful business contacts, and with his wife and daughter has many happy memories. They expect to reach Wellington on December 21.