AFGHAN KING’S VISIT

Hokitika Guardian, 12 March 1928, Page 2

AFGHAN KING’S VISIT

A ROYAL RECEPTION. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON March 10. When Amnnullali and bis Queen arrive in London on Thursday, the magnificence of the* reception will rival any accorded a ruling monarch {by the British Nation. The whole kingdom will be thrown open to them. Destroyers will escort them tip the channel amid thunderous salvos front coastal batteries. The Prince of Wales will personally greet them at Dover and oil their arrival in London, they will he met h.v King George and Queen Mary. Mr Baldwin, Sir A.usten A Chamberlain and representatives ot the Army, Navy and Air Force, at r, resplendoutly decorated . station. Grenadier guardsmen will form a guard of honour and the Royal procession will pass through troop-lined streets to Buckingham Palace. The Guards’ hands which for weeks have been practising the Afghanistan National Anthem, will he stationed at points on route.

Their Majesties will escort the visitors to RuokingTiam Palace, where they will occupy the Belgian Suite, the principal suite of the Palace reserved for visitors of importance. The seven principal apartments are completely shut off, and have a separate entrance. A wonderful unmatched display of almost priceless treasures has been assembled in oriental magnificence, specially from Windsor Castle. The visitors will live at the Palace three days and the succeeding twenty days will he guests of the nation. The special desire of the Government has been expressed to all responsible that nothing he lolt undone, and that everything that British hospitality at its wnith affords, shall he extended accordingly. When they leave the Palace the party of fifty personages, including Amaiiullah’s sister, her husband and the Queen’s father and sister, and personal attendants will be housed in a suite at Claridges on a scale, on the ins! ructions of the British Government. equal to the Royal Palace. There will he twelve exquisitely furnished drawing and reception rooms; a lovely boudoir for the Queen, and retiring rooms for the ladies of her retinue. In addition to writing rooms and a library, there will he upwards of fifty elegant bedrooms all specially served with telephones, and the whole laid in rich oriental rugs and aglow with oriental lightings.