The first state function of the year 1902 ich promises to be memorable—tovk place yesterday when the King in person, accompanied by our most beautiful Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and numerous other members of the Royal Family drove in state from Buckingham Palace, to West minster and opened the third session of the first Parliament of his reign. The day though gloomy, was far milder than last year, when numbers of people paid the Severost penalty from standing for hours in a keen wind to watch the procession pass. Fortunately, I had but a few minutes to wait before the eight stately cream horses and gorgeous state coach told mo the King and Queen were coming, and in a few seconds all was over. The passing glimpse told me that their Majesties both looked in perfect health. The King, who was in Field Marshal's uniform, bowed repeatedly. and I caught sight of our Queen's smiling face, though I could not see her dress which however, the papers say was black. The numberless ladies who drove past seemed almost entirely in white and lovely jewels were to be seen. Every year white gowns seem to become more general, quite irrespective of the age of the wearer. and where economy is the watch word. the fashion is a sensible one, as black or white is never recognisable with a little alteration in etceteras.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.