KING OF AFGHANISTAN

Hokitika Guardian, 16 March 1928, Page 1

KING OF AFGHANISTAN

TRIP FROM PARIS. HOMAGE AT CENOTAPH. RUGBY, March 13. Tile King and Queen of Afghanistan, who have been staying incognito in Paris since their return from Berlin, left yesterday afternoon for Calais, where they spent the night. They had an imposing official reception and a wonderfully popular welcome when they arrived in England to-day. From the middle of the English ('humid to Dover four British destroyers escorted the steamer Maid of Orleans, in which their Afghan majesties came from France, while overhead flew five fighter aeroplanes. As the Maid of Orleans entered Dover Harbour the guns of Dover Castle thundered forth a Royal Salute. Waiting on the quay was the Prince of Wales, wearing the uniform of the Welsh .Guards. With the Prince were Field-Marshal Lord Allenby, Lieut.-Col. Sir Francis Humphreys, British -Minister at Kabul, the Afghan Minister in London, and the British suite to be attached to their Afghan Majesties. As soon as the vessel had been made fast the Prince of Wales approached the gangway and welcomed King Amnnullali and Queen Souriya, while the band placed the Afghan National Anthem. After inspecting the guard of honour their Majesties listened to the address of welcome presented by the Mayor and Corporation of Dover. Tlie Mayoress handed Queen Souriya a bouquet of red and white roses, and the Queen bowed her thanks. After the reception at Victoria Station and the ceremonial reception at Buckingham Palace the Royal visitors left hy motor-car to pay homage at tho Cenotaph, where, stepping hack a few paces, the Afghan King stood for a moment bareheaded and bowed. The Queen proceeded to Westminster Abbey, where n wreath was laid on the grave of the Unknown Warrior. Afterwards they drove to St. James Palace, where a deputation of the London County Council and the Westminster City Council presented addresse. This evening a State banquet is being given in honour of King Amanullah and Queen Souriya at Buckingham Palace. It will take place in a brilliant setting. Light from gold candelabra will illuminate the banquet hall and the famous gold plate has keen brought from Windsor Castle tor the occasion. Tho King’s bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard, forming a cordon around tho room, will give a mediieval touch to the scene.