ROYAL TOUR.
PRINCE IN INDIA. A UNIQUE FEATURE. VEILED WOMAN RULER. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Delhi, Feb. 4. A meeting of the Prince of Wales and the veiled Begum of Bhopal, the only woman ruler in Asia, was one. of the most interesting features of the Royal tour. This remarkable old lady met the Prince at the railway station and rode at his side in an open barouche to Lalkothi Palace, which was placed at his disposal. Subsequently he made ceremonial calls.
The Prince saw nothing of his hostess save two searching dark eyes regarding him steadfastly through a triangular slit, for the Begum, in conformity with Mohammedan custom, never shows her face.
The Begum is a little woman, inclined to plumpness, marked by dignity of bearing, with a clear and decisive voice. When she received the Prince at the station she gave him. her ungloved hand and welcomed him in a few words in perfect English. The drive through the capital provided a striking demonstration of loyalty.' There were no signs of a hartal or political discontent. Great crowds lined the gaily decorated route. The ! ceremonial reception at the palace was a scene of much brilliancy. The Begum and the Prince mounted a dais and held a Durbar. They sat on silver thrones and around them were the heir apparent and the Begum’s sons, grandsons, and granddaughters. The hall was filled with high officials gorgeously robed. Two attendants in bright yellow coats stood behind the thrones.* The heir apparent came forward and presented his offering to the Prince, followed by members of the Government with their gifts. Officers, thrusting forward the hilts of their swords, made homage. The subsequent State banquet in the Durbar hall provided a repetition in sumptuous setting of the elaborate ceremonial.
Next morning the Prince journeyed to Kachnaria on a hunting trip and succeeded in shooting a tiger, a sambhur, and a panther. He returns to Bhopal on Tuesday morning and leaves at night for Gwalior.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.
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Taranaki Daily News, 7 February 1922, Page 5
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332ROYAL TOUR. Taranaki Daily News, 7 February 1922, Page 5
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