ACROSS THE CHANNEL

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 303, 14 March 1928, Page 9

ACROSS THE CHANNEL

GUARDED BY BRITISH NAVY BANQUET IN BRILLIANT SETTING By Cable.—Press Association. — Copyright. Reed. 12.45 a.m. RUGBY, Tuesday. The 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 wonderful popular welcome when they arrived in England to-day. Prom the middle of the English Channel to Dover, four British destroyers escorted the steamer Maid of Orleans, in which their Afghan Majesties came from France, while overhead flew five fighter airplanes. 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.Colonel !3ir Francis Humphreys, British Minister at Kabul, the Afghan Minister in London, and the British suite to be attached to their Afghan Majesties. ROSES FOR QUEEN SOURIYA As soon as the vessel had beeD made fast, the Prince of Wales approached the gangway and welcomed King Amanullah and Queen Souriya, while the band played 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. The 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 by motor-car for the Cenotaph. After paying homage there the Afghan King stepped back a few paces, stood for a moment hare headed, and then bowed. The Royal visitors then proceeded

to Westminster Abbey, where a wreath was laid on the grave of the Unknown Warrior. Afterwards they drove to St. Jamess Palace, where a deputation from the London County Council and Westminster City Council presented addresses.

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. The light from a gold candelabra will illuminate the banquet hall, and the famous gold plate has been brought from Windsor Castle for the occasion. King Georges bodyguard of Yeoman of the Guard, forming a cordon around the hall, will give a mediaeval touch to the scene.—A. and N.Z.