Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Alfonso's last day in England

June 9, 1905

The young King Alfonso XIII of Spain spent his final full day today in England, according to the New York Times. He spent the morning visiting a Fire Brigade drill, toured the National Gallery and the Zoological gardens, where he joined "other youthful visitors in feeding the monkeys with nuts and the elephants with biscuits." Later in the day, Alfonso traveled to Windsor with King Edward VII. Tonight he will be the guest of honor at a state ball at Buckingham Palace.
King Edward presented the Spanish sovereign with the Royal Victorian Chain. Other members of Alfonso's entourage also received royal orders. King Edward accepted a colonelcy-in-chief of a Spanish regiment, and he also accepted Alfonso's invitation to visit Spain. It is understand that King Edward and Queen Alexandra will make an official visit to Spain "sometime next year."
King Alfonso will sail tomorrow afternoon from Dover.

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