1936 On the Continent

will be a number of foreign royalties present, including, among others, Princess Juliana with her husband, Prince Bernhard von Lippe-Biesterfield, representing the Queen of Holland. Military delegations from all the British Dominions and Colonies, representatives of the Dominion Governments, and exotic princes, including the fabulously rich India Maharajahs, will provide a living illustration of the might and majesty of the British Empire.
    Although the principal event of Coronation year will naturally be the Coronation itself in Westminster Abbey, and the brilliant procession connected with it, there will be a long series of festivals and social events before and after the Coronation, which will keep London in festive array from the end of April until the late autumn.
Jubilant Abandon
    None but those who know the mentality of the English masses can possibly realise to what extent the great event will effect the whole life of the city during those weeks and months. No people lead, in ordinary circumstances, a calmer and more ordered existence than the English, and—perhaps for that very reason—no people is capable of celebrating with such passionate enthusiasm, with such jubilant abandon, an important festive event. Although for reasons governed by etiquette, tradition and considerations of space, comparatively few people will be present atthe ceremony itself and the receptions associated with it, the great masses of the British people will feel that they, too, are participating in the historic event which symbolises the greatness of their country.
    Even in the year 1935, during the Silver Jubilee of King George V, which was celebrated on a far more modest scale than will be the Coronation, the change in the aspect of London, as well as in the attitude of its population, was nothing less than miraculous. Quite apart from the individual events, there was the all-day and all-night procession of beflagged private cars, the endless stream of festive crowds through floodlit streets, and the jubilant mood of all classes of people, which for many days made London into the gayest city on earth. All this will be intensified a hundredfold during the Coronation period, and the Govermnent and municipal authorities, as well as the heads of private establishments of all kinds, have been feverishly preparing for months past to make a Mecca of joy during those weeks.
Calendar of Functions
    In view of the multiplicity and variety of the events scheduled in London for the spring and summer, it would be impossible to compile a complete programme, and we give here only a list of the official events:
    May 5th and 6th Reception by Their Majesties at Buckingham Palace.
May 10th
Arrival of representatives, ambassadors, and deputations from the Dominions, Colonies and foreign countries. The same evening; a great State banquet in Buckingham Palace.
May 11th
Dominion Premiers, Indian representatives, and Colonial deputations will present to Their Majesties an address of homage. This will be followed by a lunch in honour of the Empire representatives. In the evening, Their Majesties, together with a number of other distinguished guests, will be entertained to dinner by the Duke of Gloucester, the King’s brother.
May 12th
The Date of the Coronation which, together with the associated events, will last from early morning till late at night.
May 13th
State banquet in Buckingham Palace.
May 14th
The King and Queen will be guests at a dinner given in their honour by Mr. Anthony Eden, the Foreign Secretary. The dinner will be followed by a ball at Buckingham Palace.
May 15th
Reception and departure of the foreign deputation.
May 19th
The King and Queen will drive in procession to the City, where they will be entertained to lunch by the Lord Mayor at the Guildhall.
May 30th
Naval review at Spithead, in which all the available units of the British Fleet, ships of Britain’s Merchant Fleet, and battleships of a number of foreign countries—France, Germany, Italy—will participate.
May 24th
Their Majesties will take part in an Empire Day Service at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
May 25th
Prime Minister’s dinner at 10, Downing Street, at which Their Majesties will be present.
May 26th
Birthday of Queen Mary. Ball at Buckingham Palace.
May 27th
Reception of the London County Council at County Hall, which Their Majesties will attend.
May 28th
Levee at St. James’s Palace, which will be attended by diplomats, high Government officials, judges, officers,