New Year's Eve at the Royal Palace in Stolkholm

Ted Eustace continues ...

On our arrival at the Palace entrance, we were met by palace flunkies all dressed in very old-fashioned uniforms. They relieved us of our heavy overcoats and head- gear and took over our rubber boots and shoes. There were facilities to enable us to tidy up a bit and then we were requested to join queues of guests setting out to find the dining-halls that they had been allotted to. The strong light shone on handsome ceilings, walls and plush curtains and carpets. We reached our own dining-hall, to be even more struck by brilliant candelabra. But even more exciting were the huge tables with drinks of all kinds on them and then came the tables with highly shining silver candlesticks and other ornaments and Smorgasbord such as we had never dreamt of before.

We soon had drinks and piled up plates with truly marvellous foods which we all tucked into. We had chinwags with Swedes whom we did not know but all of whom showed friendly attitudes to us. The taste buds had a marvellous time. The atmosphere became cheerful and remained so throughout the evening. Soon after, we were encouraged to move on to the palace theatre a very fine hall indeed. To increase the excitement of the diplomatic representatives, we were due to sit in boxes, that were arranged very near the theatre stage and almost on the same level as the stage. The theatre was again lit by glittering candelabra adding -to the dramatic impact of the evening.

The orchestra provided a fanfare of a very exciting calibre and the King, with the Crown Princess and Prince, one on either side of him, entered from a handsome door at the back of the stage and proceeded to their thrones in front of the stage. They were followed by the Princesses and Princes, some from Denmark and Norway, as well as those of the Swedish Royal Family who filed into rows of special armchairs.

The orchestra then played he Swedish National Anthem and all sang with gusto, showing their loyalty to the King and the Royal Family. It was quite obvious that all loved the fine old King, whohad reigned over them for so many years.

Before going on to give details of the orchestral concert, I want to describe, as best I know how, the twenty or so regal personalities on the attractive stage. The King had on a light crown and a striking uniform with many decorations on his chest. The other princes too were most handsome in showy uniforms and decorations. But the very good-looking princesses were the real attraction of the Royal

gathering. Very specially beautiful frocks and jewels that made one almost gasp. 

Pride of place though, was certainly given to the Danish Crown Princess, in part because of her magnificent jewels.Her tiara, necklace, eardrops, pendant, bracelets and rings were all from the famous Danish Royal collection of rubies. She was very good to look at and, with those fabulous jewels, drew the eyes of all present. Don't get the impression that her jewels were possibly overdone. All the princesses were scintillating with many kinds of highly striking pieces of adornment, among which the diamonds were the most striking. The Danish Princess was outstanding with her fine frock and rubies, her regal looks, charm and dignity. She was the most beautiful sight. What the other princesses thought of the Danish beauty, I leave to others to guess.

After a short pause, the conductor of the orchestra rose and signalled for the evening's entertainment to commence. If I remember correctly they played largely from the most popular pieces of the Old Masters. Everybody seemed both to know and love such music. The performance took about an hour. When the conductor signified that the concert was finished, the audience showed how well they had enjoyed the performance and the Royal party stood up. The total audience stood

for a second rendering of the National Anthem. The King and his entourage left the stage and the Royal party was over. Our feelings were that everybody had had a most happy evening. All were most grateful to His Majesty for his gracious invitation to an occasion that was perfectly executed by a very gracious monarch.

On leaving the Palace, we, the guests, had another thrill. The Royal Palace was totally aglitter from the snow that covered the whole building itself and its surroundings. The floodlighting made the Palace sparkle in a truly enchanting manner. These buildings, on the edge of one of the lakes in central Stockholm, always show up handsomely. That wonderful night they looked their very best and gave the guests great joy.

From the Meintjeskop Courier October 1992