CHEERING MILLIONS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 July 1938, Page 5

CHEERING MILLIONS

KING AND QUEEN ACCLAIMED IN PARIS Greatest Throngs in City Streets Since Armistice REVIEW AND GALA ENTERTAINMENT AT VERSAILLES By Telegraph—Press Association. —Copyright. (Received This Day, 11.5 a.fn.) PARIS, July 21. The Police Prefecture estimates that over two million people, half the population of Paris, visited the centre of the city last night, to cheer their Majesties, exceeding any assemblage since the Armistice. The Queen today visited the British hospital at Levallois and inaugurated a ward built to commemorate the Coronation. The King, in the khaki uniform of a field marshal, accompanied by the President (M. Lebrun) and high military officials, travelled to Versailles, to review 50,000 troops, the flower of the French Army. Half a million spectators attended the review, which was staged in the precincts of the historic palace. Algerian cavalry trotted by, standing in the stirrups, followed by infantry, including many famous regiments, specialised troops from the -Maginot Line strode by twenty-four abreast. Motorised cavalry regiments dashed by and the earth shook as 300 tanks thundered along. Meanwhile 800 aircraft roared overhead. The Queen joined the King for luncheon at Versailles. There was a distinguished company of 250 guests in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles Palace, where everything ‘ was done to reproduce the atmosphere of Le Roi Soleil, Louis XIV. Dressed in the livery of the period Louis XIV, with hair powdered, 120 footmen waited on the guests. Their Majesties took coffee and liquers in an apartment Marie Antoinette once used, after which they entered the gallery of the palace chapel, to hear a performance of period and other religious music. * Their Majesties later drove to Apollo’s Grove, where they were entertained in a manner recalling the time when the Sun King held his court. An additional aerial demonstration was held and the King and guests walked in the gardens and watch 800 planes perform mass manoeuvres. Crowds cheered as their Majesties made their way to the station of ■ Versailles, through ranks of gaily uniformed Spahis and marines. The city has taken their Majesties, to its heart and Parisians are delighted at the interest which the Royal visitors have shown in everything. ' . , x , The newspapers emphasise the populations respect and deepened affection as demonstrated by the joyous acclamations which took place during the Royal visit to the opera and after return to the Quai d’Orsay when their Majesties appeared on the balcony for a few moments to . see the magnificently floodlit city and watch, the fountains playing in their silver lighting. . The crowds also in festival mood, recognised the King and Queen and tumultuously cheered their Majesties, who delayed their departure from the balcony, smiled happily and waved. ) t , INVITATION ACCEPTED. PRESIDENT LEBRUN TO VISIT ENGLAND. (Received This Day, 9.40 a.m.) PARIS, July 21. An official stated that the President of France, M. Lebrun, has accepted King George’s invitation to visit England and probably the visit will take place early next year.