Mastery of Design: Queen Mary's Christmas Egg, c. 1900

Egg of Enamel, Diamonds, Gold, Rubies and Emeralds
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
via The Royal COllection Trust
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

This egg of cream guilloché enamel is set with a diamond band around the middle and features an upper section adorned with ribbon swags. The lower portion is set with heart trophies of rubies and emeralds. A gold ring allows for hanging from a gold stand with a circular base chased with a spiral pattern.

This beautiful object was a gift to Queen Mary, consort of King George V, for Christmas of 1927. It was given to her by Prince David (later, briefly, King Edward VIII, and, then Duke of Windsor); “Bertie,” a.k.a. Prince Albert George (later King George VI); Elizabeth, the Duchess of York (later, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother); Princess Mary and Harry Lascelles and their children. Though it looks like Fabergé, it’s actually the work of Dreyfous of 128 Mount St., London.

The egg itself dates to about 1900.

Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
via The Royal Collection Trust
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Mastery of Design: Queen Mary's Christmas Egg, c. 1900

Egg of Enamel, Diamonds, Gold, Rubies and Emeralds
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection

Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

This egg of cream guilloché enamel is set with a diamond band around the middle and features an upper section adorned with ribbon swags. The lower portion is set with heart trophies of rubies and emeralds. A gold ring allows for hanging from a gold stand with a circular base chased with a spiral pattern.

This beautiful object was a gift to Queen Mary, consort of King George V, for Christmas of 1927. It was given to her by Prince David (later, briefly, King Edward VIII, and, then Duke of Windsor); “Bertie,” a.k.a. Prince Albert George (later King George VI); Elizabeth, the Duchess of York (later, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother); Princess Mary and Harry Lascelles and their children. Though it looks like Fabergé, it’s actually the work of Dreyfous of 128 Mount St., London.

The egg itself dates to about 1900.

Object of the Day: Postcard of the Coronation of T.M. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth

BBC News

This week at Stalking the Belle Époque, we are celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. So, I’ll be trotting out many pieces from my own collection of Royal memorabilia so that we can honor Her Majesty and look at the history which led to the start of H.M.’s historic, long reign. The only other regent to have enjoyed such a long reign is Queen Victoria. I wonder what Victoria would have to say about her ancestor’s Diamond Jubilee. 

Here’s an odd note. On Saturday, I was sitting here in my office. Above the red chair where Bertie and I often sit hangs an enormous framed, printed handkerchief from the Golden Jubilee (fifty years = 1887). As I was eating my dinner and contemplating how to best celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee, the artifact literally sprang off the wall and landed on my head. The glass didn’t break and the handkerchief wasn’t damaged (and I just have a bump on my head). Only the frame was broken—having actually sprung apart on the wall. On her way down, Victoria took with her two antique lithographs of King George V and Queen Mary. After assessing that noting was broken and confirming that I didn’t have a concussion, I began to wonder about this odd occurrence. Was Victoria letting me know that she didn’t want me to make too much of a fuss about the current Queen? “We’ll see,” as my father says (who also kindly repaired the damaged frame for me). In the meantime, let’s carry on. The house is filled with artifacts from the reign of Queen Victoria, so if any more of them attack me, we’ll have our answer.

And, so, let’s begin. 

This postcard from 1937 shows an image of the Royal Family following the coronation of King George VI (the present Queen’s papa, son of King George V and Queen Mary, and brother of the Great Kerfuffler ™, King Edward VIII, whose place he took when “David” chose Wallis Simpson over the throne) and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother). The sepia-toned photo is attributed to May Wrightson.

The inscription reads:

CORONATION OF T.M. KING GEORGE VI & QUEEN ELIZABETH 

CROWNED, WESTMINSTER ABBEY, 12th May, 1937. Official Portrait taken at Buckingham Palace.

T.M. QUEEN MARY, KING GEORGE VI & QUEEN ELIZABETH

T.R.H. PRINCESS ROYAL, DUKE & DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER, DUKE AND DUCHESS OF KENT, H.M. QUEEN OF NORWAY

T.R.H. PRINCESS MARGARET ROSE AND PRINCESS ELIZABETH 



On the reverse, we see:

J. BEAGLES & CO., Ltd. E.C. 1., PRINTERS & PUBLISHERS,

GUARANTEED REAL PHOTOGRAPH 

This is the perfect image for us to begin our Diamond Jubilee festivities. First of all, Queen Mary (who looks positively splendid) was very proud the moment this image was taken. Not only had Her Majesty just navigated her way through her eldest son’s foolishness to see her second son ascend the throne, she did so knowing that her favorite granddaughter, Princess Elizabeth (now Queen) would one day take her rightful place as Queen. The King’s sister and two of his brothers have joined the family with their spouses. And, best of all the two children of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) take their place at the center of the group.

Look how regal Princess Elizabeth looks! She is mostly unchanged. Standing there in Buckingham Palace in 1937, on the occasion of her father’s coronation, I wonder what was going through the young princess’ mind. Did she think that someday she would have her picture taken in the same spot on the day of her own coronation? Did she have any idea that in 2012 the world would collectively honor her sixty years on the throne? We’ll never know. However, we can see the reality.

Her Majesty has bravely, gracefully and beautifully led Britain since her father’s death in 1952. In doing so, she had upheld Queen Mary’s beliefs and sensibilities while navigating through countless tragedies and triumphs. Her Majesty’s performance as Monarch is a reminder of the importance of the monarchy and an inspiration to any and all who can recognize the brilliance of her career.

Personally, I think Queen Victoria would be proud. Let’s hope so—at least for my own safety.

BBC News

Now, I’ve tried and tried to embed this video here, but the BBC doesn’t want me to. So, I’d like to attract your attention to this lovely video of the musical finale of the magnificent jubilee flotilla which took place yesterday. It’s truly a joy to watch. Even in the cold and driving rain, millions of Britons came out to honor their Queen. So, the least we can do is click on a link. Just make sure to come back here when you’re finished!

Friday Fun: The Children of King George V

The Royal Collection
Crown Copyright
Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

 This beautiful video pays tribute to the five children of King George V and Queen Mary: “David” (King Edward VIII/The Duke of Windsor); “Bertie” (King George VI); Mary, the Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood; Prince Henry, the Duke of Gloucester; Prince George, the Duke of Kent; and poor little Prince John.

Obscure Book of the Day: Princess Elizabeth's Wedding Day

At the age of thirteen, Princess Elizabeth—daughter of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, and heir to the British throne—met Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark and, even at that tender age, fell in love with the man who was her second cousin once removed through King Christian IX of Denmark and third cousin through Queen Victoria. They exchanged letters for years, and Elizabeth decided that Philip was the man she would marry.

This union was not without opposition. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, was said to have been violently opposed to the marriage, dubbing Philip as “the Hun,” while Royal advisors worried that the Prince’s ties to German relatives would be problematic in the post World War II climate. The Prince renounced his Greek and Danish titles, taking the style of Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten and converted to Anglicanism. Still, this was not enough to quiet his detractors who then considered him an untitled foreigner without a home or country. Nevertheless, the marriage proceeded.

In 1947, the future Queen married Philip Mountbatten at Westminster Abbey. The Princess—ever devoted to her country—insisted on acting as a normal citizen and used ration coupons to purchase the material used by Norman Hartnell for her wedding gown. Further scandal came when the Princess’ uncle, The Duke of Windsor (formerly King Edward VIII) was not invited to the ceremony—causing her Aunt, Princess Mary, to refuse to attend in protest. Nevertheless, Queen Mary (Elizabeth’s grandmother, widow of King George V and mother of the present King, the Duke of Windsor and Princess Mary) showed her support. And, the nation turned out—as they always do—to witness the Royal wedding.

Queen Mary enjoyed a nice wedding banquet.  No doubt,
she took home a centerpiece. 

A variety of souvenirs were produced—some official, some not—as is always the case. The next obscure book in our series is also from the Pitkin Publishing Company. Entitled, “Princess Elizabeth’s Wedding Day,” it was printed in 1947 to chronicle the event and contains, on the back cover, a message from the Princess to the people of Britain, thanking them for their support. The volume is filled with beautiful pictures, and, in fact, the front cover features a lovely photograph which has been carefully glued on.

Let’s take a look inside…

Shots of the bride.  Here, she's seen in the carriage wearing the Russian Fringe Tiara which
is still a favorite of Her Majesty's. 

Big.  Royal.  Cake.



Walkies.


Of course, we know how the marriage turned out.  Now Queen Elizabeth II and Philip, the Prince Consort and Duke of Edinburgh, they're still married and, presumably, still happy. 

Object of the Day: A Souvenir Handkerchief from the Reign of King George V and Queen Mary

A recent addition to my collection of Royal memorabilia is another souvenir handkerchief. Of course, it depicts King George V and Mary of Teck since I tend to favor them. What’s particularly nice about this one is that it also shows their entire family.

Now, this souvenir is not from the coronation nor is it from the Silver Jubilee in 1935. IT was made at some point before 1919 since the family portraits include Prince John who died following a traumatic epileptic seizure in January of 1919. Following John’s death, Queen Mary was so heartbroken that the young prince was barely spoken of again, let alone depicted on any souvenirs.

The handkerchief is printed with “God Save Our King and Queen/ King George V and Queen Mary/ and their Family.” Portrait ovals of George and Mary hover above smaller depictions of their five children: “David” (later King Edward VIII and, then, the Duke of Windsor), Albert (known as “Bertie” to the family, later King George VI), Princess Mary, Prince Henry, Prince George and Prince John. Below the family portraits, are the words and music for “God Save the King” which is labeled as “The National Anthem.”

The handkerchief, though delicate is in excellent condition for its age and is now neatly preserved in a frame made by my father.

Card of the Day: The Marriage of Princess Mary

This card, the fifteenth in the series by Wills Cigarettes commemorating the 1935 Silver Jubilee of Queen Mary and King George V, shows a scene which will trigger events in our collective recent memory and proves that some traditions and images are eternal.


Here, we witness the 1922 wedding of the third child of King George V and Queen Mary: Mary, Princess Royal, later Countess of Harewood to the Viscount Lascelles.

The reverse of the card reads:

THE MARRIAGE OF PRINCESS MARY


A subject became allies with the English Royal House when, amid great popular enthusiasm, Princess Mary and Viscount Lascelles, the descendant of an ancient Yorkshire family, were marries at Westminster Abbey on February 28, 1922. The Primate, Archbishop Davidson, before whom the bride and bridegroom are kneeling in the Sanctuary bade then God-speed—a wish that vast crowds echoed as Princess Mary and her husband returned to the Wedding Breakfast at Buckingham Palace. To the delight of the multitude, they appeared hand-in-hand on the balcony facing the Mall. The honeymoon was spent in Shropshire.

This looks familiar, yes?  When Prince William of Wales married Catherine Middleton, they were created the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The style of “Duke of Cambridge” had not been used since 1801 when Prince Adolphus was created First Duke of Cambridge.  Prince Adolphus was the father of Princess Mary Adelaide who was the mother of Princess Mary of Teck who became Queen Mary (grandmother of the present Queen) and mother of Mary, the Princess Royal whose wedding is depicted on this card.  Phew!  See?  It all fits together!

The 2011 Marriage of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge