Royal Occasions
In this year of 3 significant Royal events, 2 weddings and a 90th birthday celebration, it seems appropriate to exhibit some reminders of earlier Royal occasions. The Oliver Collection has programmes, etc of many Royal occasions dating back to the Jubilee celebrations of Queen Victoria in 1897.
Queen Victoria 1837-1901
King Wiliam IV, her uncle, having died without heir, Victoria, aged 18, was crowned Queen and reigned until her death in 1901. Her marriage to Prince Albert in 1840 was a very happy one. However Prince Albert died of typhoid in 1861 and for some years after his death, Victoria lived as a recluse until criticism from Parliament and her subjects forced her out of retirement. Victoria had 9 children and was succeeded by her son Edward VII.
On display:
A Persian poem in Commemoration of the Jubilee year of Her Most Gracious Majesty The Queen - Empress of India. 1887
Photograph of 7 men (possibly taken outside St John’s Church, Egham) to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, June 22nd 1897
A copy of a poster (65cm x 50cm) of the programme of events in Englefield Green to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Jubilee 1897
Funeral of Queen Victoria. A Special Memorial Service, Handel’s Funeral anthem with full orchestra and organ held on February 2, 1901
A likeness of Queen Victoria from Golden Sovereigns, by Nicolas Bentley, 1970
Edward VII 1901 –1910
Edward was married to Queen Alexandra of Denmark. He had always been fond of racing, gambling and high living and he continued to have affairs with several women even after he became King. However he was popular figure with many of his subjects. He died from a heart attack in 1910 aged 69.
On display:
A photograph of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in their Coronation Robes (from “A Coronation Souvenir” by S Baring Gould, 1902)
2 invitations cards (to Louisa and Charles Ellis) to refreshments and tea on July 3rd, 1902 to celebrate the coronation of Edward VII
Coronation and procession of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, June 1902
Postcard of the funeral procession of the late King Edward VII. The procession included nine Monarchs and the Duke of Cornwall
George V 1910-1936
He became heir to the throne on the death in 1892 of his older brother Edward. He married Princess Mary of Teck (who had previously been engaged to Prince Edward) in 1893. The King was a shy, private man but he had worked closely with his father on matters of state, had served in the Royal Navy and had inherited from his grandmother, Queen Victoria, integrity and a determination to do his duty. The widespread hatred towards the Germans during the 1st World War caused problems for the royal family with their strong German links. In 1917 the King changed the family name to Windsor.
On display:
Coronation celebrations and sports in Englefield Green and Egham 1911. 6 postcards
Egham Coronation Celebrations, August 7th, 1911 in Egham Park
Urban District of Egham Silver Jubilee Programme of official celebrations 1935
Silver Jubilee Souvenir c.1935 Produced by the Co-Operative Society Ltd.
Edward VIII 1936
The Prince of Wales, heir to the throne, had fallen in love with Mrs Wallis Simpson, a twice divorced American. When it became clear that she would never be accepted as his wife by Paliament or the people, he abdicated in favour of his brother Prince Albert, who chose to reign as King George VI
George VI 1936-1952
Like his father George VI was a shy man, with an embarrassing stammer, but he had a strong, loving wife, who helped him throughout his life to undertake his Royal duties especially during the 1st World War. It was time of great sadness for the nation when he died in 1952
On display:
A Souvenir Programme of an exhibition of Coronation robes at the Royal School of Needlework, 1937
Queen Elizabeth II 1952-
Princess Elizabeth and H.R.H. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh on their wedding day, Thursday, 20th November, 1947
On display:
Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The form and order of service…in the Abbey Church of St Peter, Westminster, 2nd June 1953
Joan Wintour
February 2011
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