Page 1758 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

1755

1944

Monday 6th December

Drove to Fort as knees still stiff. More kit inspection. Hot damp day.
Working in Budget, got the note done bar figures. Went up to Palace with
Hick & arranged about the chairs, all looked well & not over crowded.
Didnt go out in afternoon, dressed early & went to palace, tails &
decorations, a lot of people arrived very early, all described on
broadcast. Quite a gay scene, red carpets, lights & colour, naval guard
of honour. M wore black velvet & long gloves & looking very well. GP &
party arrived ahead of SNO at 7.20, met HH & we had coffee in the
anteroom GP & the others resplendent in dress, gold braid swords &
plumed hats. GP with his new order, star & chain. Processed into the
room up to the platform, GP made a long speech, read, in Arabic then
invested HH who said a few words in reply & then the audience filed up to
shake hands, GP & party having left. It took a very short time but went
off well & smoothly.

Tuesday 7th December

Eid.

Dull day, heavy clouds, thundery & some rain in afternoon. Got up late,
gardened & after lunch went to call on HH at the Palace. Very few people
perhaps most regarded last night as sufficient.

Thursday 9th December

Large party at Godfreys, dinner dancing & Bridge. A lot of water on the
roads & the town in usual state of muddy mess.

Friday 10th December

GP to dinner