ROYAL WEDDING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26639, 9 December 1947, Page 5

ROYAL WEDDING

STIRRING SCENES POMP AND THE PEOPLE PAGEANTRY REAPPEARS Special to the Daily limes By June Carswell LONDON, Nov. 20. Elizabeth and Philip are married. To-day London has rejoiced as only London can. Over half a million cheering, jostling, loving subjects have waved their good wishes and blessings to the bride and bridegroom, on whom the eyes of the world are cast. This wedding was like a fairy tale. Only England could have it. Such spectacular pageantry. To-day will remain a vivid memory with all who saw it.

The only space that remained vacant outside Buckingham Palace this morning was the sanded carriageway—a strip stretching like a ribbon through a seething mass of humanity—but crowds still kept arriving, and, miraculously they'crammed in. Surely there is no crowd in the world like an English crowd; good natured, friendly, and ready to laugh at the least provocation. Never did they miss an opportunity to indulge their high spirits. The sun peeped through and a hearty roar greeted it. The activity increased. Messengers passed in and out through the great iron Palace gates, and the mounted police kept sharp eyes for any disturbances. Khaki-clad soldiers took up positions and orders were shouted by their officers. Bands struck up the rousing marches of England, as cars streamed quickly down Constitution Hill, past the Palace, into the Mall, and so to the Abbey. Cheers for Celebrities

Everyone instantly recognised Mr Anthony Eden, travelling alone, and gave him a rousing welcome. There was another for Lord and Lady Mountbatten. Their car flew the Indian flag. They turned into the Palace courtyard, followed the bridesmaids, already dressed in their billowing white tulle gowns with head-dresses arranged. Amid the flow of cars, varying from luxurious Rolls Royces to Baby Austins, suddenly was heard the clatter of hoofs and the jingling of spurs. It was the Household Cavalry, unseen since 1939. The crowd gasped at the rows of jet black steeds with white sheepskins across their backs, their riders in white breeches, scarlet tunics, glittering silver armour, and helmets with flowing plumes. They halted outside the Palace, ready to escort the procession to the Abbey. The Queen was about to leave when suddenly down Constitution Hill came two cars with police outriders. Who was it at this late time? Two companies of Scots Guards had begun to move, and it seemed they would block the road. The cars slipped to the left of one company, to the right of the other, then took the middle of the road. “Philip!” the delighted watchers exclaimed with surprise, and shouted “ Good luck! ” and “ God bless! ” after him. He acknowledged their cries with a smile and a wave, and sped on to claim nis bride. Almost immediately the strains of the National Anthem were heard from the inner court of the Palace, the captain’s escort of the Household Cavalry moved off, and then came the glass coach, drawn by four Windsor greys, carrying the Queen and Princess Margaret. Both smiled happily at the tumultous gathering. Both were deeply moved as they saluted graciously in passing. The King of Norway, a splendidly handsome figure, thfe King and Queen of Denmark, and the Queen of the Hellenes were in the succeeding coaches.

Amid a sudden hush Princess Elizabeth appeared—a dream-like figure in shimmering ivory slipper satin, with a softly-falling tulle veil cascading over her shoulders —to-day’s bride, riding with her father in the Irish State coach. Her eyes wide, she smiled warmly. She, too, was moved by the thundering cheer which filled the air.

The Sovereign’s escort disappeared and the people relaxed to await the return of the procession. Refreshments appeared from pockets and baskets; voices chatted merrily; but the ambulance officers and nurses were busy as people fainted in hundreds.

Post-nuptial Procession

The hour passed. A peel of bells from Westminster Abbey rang across London as Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip became man and wife. There was a distant surge of voices as the procession came up Whitehall. As the captain’s escort appeared through Admiralty Arch the cries gi-e.w louder and louder, until the air was ringing as I had never heard it ring before. The newlyweds sat smiling, lifting their hands to the crowd, and then glancing happily at each other. Their radiance proved that this vociferous affection warmed their hearts. The bridesmaids followed, a car for each, and then the best man, sitting between two very excited and wondering little Princes—Michael and William. Their hands never rested!

When the procession was inside the Palace grounds the lofty iron gates were closed, the police relaxed their control of the public, and there was a mighty forward surge. People ran to get a position from which to see the balcony. Every piece of the road was covered. Soon the mob was packed so tightly that movement had almost ceased, and then began the cry: “We want the bride! ” “We want Philip! ”

Scenes at the Palace After some 15 minutes, a footman unlatched the balcony door, and the loudest cries of the day filled the air as the Princess and her husband stepped on to the balcony. They smiled and waved. Everyone was pleased, because they waved so delightedly. The Queen and King joined them, followed by Queen Mary, gracious and fine, and Princess Margaret. What a link joined the balcony figures to the masses below! How splendid was the Royal family of the British Empire! Tears roiled down my cheeks, and I was not alone in that. The Queen whispered a word, and the Royal couple were again left with their great public. Then Elizabeth turned, her husband helped her with the train, and she was gone. Philip faced the vast mass alone for a second, he waved, and disappeared into the Palace. Many of the people who had sat and waited for this scene hour udoii hour wended their way home, but they were continually replaced by new arrivals, who settled down to await the conclusion of the wedding breakfast when the family reappeared. First they came alone, then with the bridesmaids, and finally the entire family grouped itself before the mass. Little faces peered over thp balcony and waved excitedly. As they returned inside, and the door was about to be closed, Prince Michael suddenly ran back to have a last look at the crowd. For a moment he alone was the subject of delighted cheering. Then he turned and ran back into the room where the Kinir could he seen smiling and beckoning to hirrt. The crowd settled down to await the departure of the counle for their country honeymoon. The scene when Elizabeth and Philip started to move off in an open landau for Waterloo station was one of the most, moving of the day. The King and Queen, with Princess Margaret and the other bridesmaids, hurried across'the courtyard to the main sates of the Palace and pelted the bridal pair with rose petals. Philin put ud his arm. to protect his bride, but still the petals showered down. When the carriage and escort moved out into the crowd the brides’ mother and father stood waving a good-bye. Tl. was a homely going-awav scene which tyified the Roval family as a groun of very real and loving people. The spectators were thrilled. It was the end of a brilliant day.