CROWNING CEREMONY.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 October 1922, Page 5

CROWNING CEREMONY.

ROUMANIAN KING AND QUEEN. DAZZLING SCENES OF SPLENDOR. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, October 16. Abajulia, the historical capital of Transylvania, was the scene of remarkable pageantry during the crowning of King Ferdinand and Queen Marie. All day long there were dazzling spectacles. The splendour of the East mingled with the dignified ceremonial of the West. The Duke of York represented Britain; Queen Elizabeth, Greece; Prince Paul, Servia. The Italian Crown Prince and other Royalties were present, also Marshal Foch. The Roumanian Queen and King received a tumultuous reception as they drove to the cathedral, three squadrons fo aeroplanes buzzing overhead. The preliminary religious service was conducted by the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church, assisted by Patriarchs from every corner of Transylvania. As they left the church their Majesties were greeted by 500 officers. Their Majesties mounted a canopied dais. Behind the dais were the church dignitaries and troops. Just before the crowning scores of countrymen dressed in sheepskins penetrated the ranks of the soldiers and lined up beside the i dais, their wives and daughters singing : Roumanian folk songs. When the singing had ended the president brought the iron crown, made from cannon captured from the Bulgars at Plevna. After the King had crowned himself the Queen knelt and the King placed on her head a crown of gold, diamonds, rubies and emeralds, amid the cheers of 50,000 people and a salute of 101 guns.