RADIANT GARDEN PARTY

Hokitika Guardian, 15 September 1928, Page 1

RADIANT GARDEN PARTY

INDIAN PRINCESSES IN GOLD AND SILVER.LONDON, August ‘2. Jollies! of the season’s brilliant social events was the garden party given by tbe King and Queen in tlie grounds of Buckingham Palace yesterday afternoon. About 7,000 invitations bad been issued to dignitaries of the Church, tlie senior officers of the Navy and Army, Jl.P.s and their families, Civil Servants, and distinguished visitors I ruin over-seas. Everybody knew somebody, and as introduction followed introduction eventually everybody seemed to know everybody. SMILING GREETING. The King and Queen, mingling freely among their guests on the spacious lawn, set a royal example of smiling greeting and bright conversation that was swiftly followed. The scene viewed from the terrace resembled the happy reunion of a huge family. It was a family of familiar faces for many and the guests were people “ in the news,” men and women distinguished in varied callings. Their Majesties moved from group to group, recognising a face here, acknowledging an introduction theie. While the King was conversing with the Archbishop of Canterbury the Queen was discussing music with Dame Clara Butt. Despite tbe blazing sun her Majesty looked delightfully cool in an exquisite light blue gown that emphasised her gracious dignity. The most dignified lady in the land was also the most charming. She was the perfect hostess, putting everyone at their ease with her winning smile and gracious manner. With her walked Princess Mary, whom women remarked grows even more beautiful. The King, who wore a grey morning suit and grey hat, was obviously enjoying himself, judging from his hearty j laughter provoked by some amusing anecdote or bright witticism,

Merr.v laughter,- guy colours, and spirited talk, marked this jolly Royal Garden Party, perhaps the most brilliant of its kind. The weather was as perfect as the setting. And the scene was worthy of the sunshine. Frocks that seemed to have taken .their colours from all the jewels and flowers in flic world were worn by graceful women conscious ol walking in the most exclusive garden in the world. Tlio thought made bright eyes still brighter, 'and silvery laughter more enchanting. DAZZLING ROBES. Among mi assembly of beautiful women none were more beautiful than the wives and daughters of the Indian Princes now in London. In theii dazzling robes of gold and silver, of ruby red and sapphire blue, and wine dark purple they brought the colour and glamour of the East to the royn English garden, with its spreading

lawn, its lovely flowers, and its noble trees. The Indian princes, too, with their gorgeous uniforms and gem-liilted scimitars, gave a glimpse off romance.