Page 1259 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

1257
1257
1940

In afternoon went to th fort where Man Thornburg was painting, to the palace to see the new stairs - now
complete - and then bridge at Mespers. Dined with Forkers - very sleepy, saw his latest pictures, very good

but would hardly keep one awake.

Tuesday 2nd May

A very busy day, at the Fort before breakfast working on the scenery. MT was there, she brought him &
then went off. HH phoned from office so went down there to see him, he seemed slightly peevish, asked as
usual about the programme & about the salutes, he thinks BS ought to get 100 guns whereas a royal salute
is 21. Spent morning at palace, & pier arranging position of cars etc. HH reluctantly agreed to keeping out
all the family to meet the King at the Palace instead of cluttering the pier. Got into grey mourning suit after
lunch, a hot day, south wind, very damp in a thick suit. Got a wire about time of arrival & so rushed off to

meet HH & hurry him - did so, & of course the launches were late arriving. All went very well, about forty
cars nicely lined up. HM arrived with his sons, very amiable but didn't know how to inspect the guard or
take the salute. Saoud & A R Kozaibi pushed him through it - & he started by going along the rear rank. He
was very amiable & made W get into his car & drive to palace. He is not as tall as I expected but has a lot
more character in his face than Saoud, he is 62 but doesn't look it, active & strong in appearance, his
manner I think is deliberately pleasant, it certainly achieves the effect. The Police were excellent & the
mounted escort most impressive, I feel quite sure that the King is not accustomed to such military style, he
looked with interest at the Police but talked to HH while walking down the lines. Drove to the Palace but
didn't go in, a most impressive sight, crowds of brilliantly coloured servants passing up & down the stairs,
the stairs make a splendid background for arrivals & departures.

Wednesday 3rd May

At the Palace in the morning for the march past. It went off well. The Police looked very smart and their
drill was excellent. HM was impressed & remarked on their training & the sons & followers all watched
with very great interest, especially the Bedw guards & retainers. A very fine scene, the new steps crowded
with Arabs, many gorgeously dressed, an almost theatrical group. Took some photos & many others taken
as well.

In the afternoon a party at the Agency, quite a pleasant affair, sat under a green silk canopy surrounded by
oleander trees full of flowers & drank tea & coffee. Sat next to Hafiz Wahaba & talked much to him. The
so-called guests of HM, actually prisoners & hostages, sat in the royal circle, three of the family & a young