AT THE ABBEY

Hokitika Guardian, 8 July 1929, Page 5

AT THE ABBEY

THE Ivl^ T G ATTENDS. ... A SIMPLE CEREMONY. JOYOUS WELCOME FROM PEOPLE United Press Association.—By Electric .Telegraph.—Copyright.) . (Received this day at 11.25. a.m.) LONDON, July 7. The service at the Abbey at which the King and family returned thanks for His Majesty’s recovery, was at the King’s expressed wish, a simple attendance in church, where he could join the people , jp tjianking Gou lor His Good Providences. Hundreds of thousands fined the route from the Palace to the Abbey. The King, in an open carriage, with the Queen alongside, looked strong and well. He smiled delightedly at the acclamation from the denSe crowds. Opposite Their Majesties was the Prince of Wales, upright, alert, and smiling happily. .Officers of State and Diplomats waited in the centre of the great concourse. Every part of the King’s Dominions was represented there. The Labour Prime Minister, and his colleagues were in the choir, also rul.ers from the Far East, bronzed colonials and great military and naval leaders. Some of the congregation had waited from last night. Their Majesties were met by the Dean of Westminster, the Bishop of Canterbury, canons and lay-officers. Standing in the chancel, the King had the Qneen on his Tight, and behind him stood the Duke of Connaught, Princess Royal, Princess Victoria and Lord Lascelles.

As the roll of drums died away, the voice of the Dean rang out from the chancel. It was simplicity again. In three sentences he spoke of the hopes and aspirations of the Empire: “God Save the King; God Save the Realm; God Give us Thankful Hearts.” Then silence again. Then the shrilling fanfare of trumpets. Then the singing of the National Anthem. The Bishop of Canterbury, in a cape of green, stepped forward slowly, while me King knelt and bowed his head over the scarlet bound book of service on the desk before him. His family joined in the prayers. The trumpets and organ shrilled again, and there arose the Tc Deum, while the congregation knelt. The Bishop of Canterbury, grasping a crozier raised ris right hand while every bead bowed for the Benediction. Slowly the Royalties left the Chancel as simply, as .they came, and stepped into a landau to meet a great wave of cheering from countless thousands.

The Abbey bells joymislv tolled out and there were cries from the crowd of “God Bless You !” The King showed he was deeply touched by the spontaneous expression of loyalty and devotion. When they returned to the Palace, their' Majesties stepped on to the balcony and remained there for five minutes acknowledging the cheers. The King, who was bareheaded, was obviously affected. He bowed and turned to the Queen who waved. Both then disappeared.