DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.49382#0113
THE ROYAL FAMILY.
59
dressed in war-worn khaki instead of the brilliant uniforms of other
days.
His Majesty went about amongst people as one of them rather
than as their over-lord. He chatted pleasantly with the work-people
'making textiles, pottery, machinery, and foodstuffs for the fighters
in the field and the civilian population at home.
Not the least of King George’s arduous work in connection with
the war consisted of reviewing troops, presenting colours, holding
investitures, and opening and attending matinees and functions
organized to raise money for War Funds. He also entertained
representatives of the Allies who visited London from time to time,
including monarchs, heads of Governments, and Commanders-in-Chief
of Armies.
Tn view of all these obligations faithfully fulfilled, it is no
exaggeration to state that His Majesty King George was one of the
busiest men in his whole Empire in the time intervening between
August 4th, 1914, and November 11th, 1918. His war-services
included even the gift of money to the cause, for, aside from
numerous liberal subscriptions to charities, he presented the
treasury with £100,000 as a persona] contribution towards national
expenditure.
Of the war-time functions, the most sentimental interest was
the celebration of His Majesty’s “silver wedding”—the 25th
anniversary of his marriage to Queen Mary—on July 6th, 1918. Their
Majesties went in ceremonious profession from Buckingham Palace
to St. Paul’s, where a special service was held in honour of the
occasion, attended by many wounded sailors and soldiers. When
the service was over, Their Majesties proceeded to the Guildhall,
where they received the address of the City Corporation, and silver
wedding gifts from loyal citizens which took the form of a cheque
for £53,000, to be devoted to any charities that they might elect to
assist. They were also presented with a. silver tankard which had
once belonged to Charles IT. and had been given by him, in 1678,
to a distinguished citizen, The ceremony took place in the
59
dressed in war-worn khaki instead of the brilliant uniforms of other
days.
His Majesty went about amongst people as one of them rather
than as their over-lord. He chatted pleasantly with the work-people
'making textiles, pottery, machinery, and foodstuffs for the fighters
in the field and the civilian population at home.
Not the least of King George’s arduous work in connection with
the war consisted of reviewing troops, presenting colours, holding
investitures, and opening and attending matinees and functions
organized to raise money for War Funds. He also entertained
representatives of the Allies who visited London from time to time,
including monarchs, heads of Governments, and Commanders-in-Chief
of Armies.
Tn view of all these obligations faithfully fulfilled, it is no
exaggeration to state that His Majesty King George was one of the
busiest men in his whole Empire in the time intervening between
August 4th, 1914, and November 11th, 1918. His war-services
included even the gift of money to the cause, for, aside from
numerous liberal subscriptions to charities, he presented the
treasury with £100,000 as a persona] contribution towards national
expenditure.
Of the war-time functions, the most sentimental interest was
the celebration of His Majesty’s “silver wedding”—the 25th
anniversary of his marriage to Queen Mary—on July 6th, 1918. Their
Majesties went in ceremonious profession from Buckingham Palace
to St. Paul’s, where a special service was held in honour of the
occasion, attended by many wounded sailors and soldiers. When
the service was over, Their Majesties proceeded to the Guildhall,
where they received the address of the City Corporation, and silver
wedding gifts from loyal citizens which took the form of a cheque
for £53,000, to be devoted to any charities that they might elect to
assist. They were also presented with a. silver tankard which had
once belonged to Charles IT. and had been given by him, in 1678,
to a distinguished citizen, The ceremony took place in the