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Richard Harding Davis requests President Roosevelt’s help in getting a seat at the coronation at Westminster Abbey.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-06-06
President Theodore Roosevelt crowns himself as emperor.
As the 1904 campaign commenced, with candidates chosen and party machines arming themselves, some traditional views and roles returned to the tumultuous political scene. It was the first relatively normal contest since at least 1896, when the sudden rise of the radical Populist Party shook the system; in 1900 the issues of war and “imperialism” asserted themselves; and the subsequent assassination of President McKinley dominated the news. Theodore Roosevelt’s administration was a constant swirl — the popular president sued the trusts, forcefully acted to acquire rights for a Panama Canal. Roosevelt also starred on the world stage in another role: as peacemaker between Russia and Japan.
At the procession for the coronation of Edward VII, King of Great Britain, many of those participating in the pageantry are wearing medieval costume. Caption: Barnum was not the only man who knew that the public likes to be humbugged.
Due to exigencies of publishing deadlines, this cartoon depicts an event that did not take place, at least at its scheduled time. Ehrhart’s critique of the excessive pomp that was planned for the Coronation of England’s King Edward VII was a valid observation, and part of one of Great Britain’s strangest ceremonies. The former Prince of Wales was 59 years old and his mother Queen Victoria had been on throne for a seemingly interminable 64 years. The prince was, famously, overweight and a playboy. The Queen’s Golden and Diamond jubilees had been rather lackluster, so ostentatious celebrations were anticipated, with royalty from around the world, potentates from England’s far-flung empire, performers of all sorts, just as cartoonist Ehrhart anticipated. However, two days prior to the coronation, the future Edward VII took ill and needed abdominal surgery; the coronation was postponed. Commoners and a staff of thousands were given sweets and thanks in consolation. When the coronation did occur in August, it was in many respects a comedy of errors: a crotchety Archbishop of Canterbury who died four months later, crowns falling from royal heads, botched protocol, and stage-whispers among the royal family.
Theodore Roosevelt is very glad that the Ugandan royalty and officials were able to attend the coronation of King George V of England.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-25
On behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, his secretary thanks Sir Courtenay Walter Bennett for the invitation to attend the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary, but explains that he has a previous engagement and is unable to attend.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-14
President Roosevelt introduces his cousin, James A. Roosevelt, and requests that he be allowed to view the naval review at the coronation of Edward VII of the United Kingdom aboard an American vessel.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-15
President Roosevelt would like the fact that Alice will not be attending the coronation of Edward VII to be “leaked out” and not given out formally. Roosevelt enjoyed the quiet, personal time with Prince Henry of Prussia and was pleased to meet Alfred von Tirpitz, Secretary of the German Navy.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-03-03
Alice will not be attending the coronation of Edward VII and President Roosevelt is concerned that the members of the Roosevelt family that are in attendance should not be given “improper discrimination in their favor.” Roosevelt found Prince Henry of Prussia to be a “good fellow” who is friendly towards England.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-03-03
President Roosevelt has enjoyed Prince Henry of Prussia’s visit but the experience changed his mind regarding sending Alice to the coronation of King Edward VII of Great Britain. Alice will not be traveling to England but Roosevelt thanks the Whitelaw Reid and his wife for their offer of hospitality.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-02-28
President Roosevelt does not want Alice to go to the coronation of King Edward VII of Great Britain.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-02-28
President Roosevelt asks Ambassador Choate to ensure that his sister Corinne Robinson and her husband are afforded every opportunity to view the coronation (Edward VII) as they will happen to be in London at that time.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-02-03
Alice Roosevelt will be attending the coronation of King Edward VII, but President Roosevelt has no interest in attending. President Roosevelt claims that he would not even meet Prince Henry of Prussia if it were not an official duty. The state dinner for Prince Henry will be small, and Roosevelt doubts that Douglas Robinson can be made an official on the committee to receive Prince Henry in New York.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-02-03
Zakaria Kizito Kisingiri describes the celebrations that took place in Uganda for the coronation of King George V of England. Kisingiri also sends his regards from all who met Theodore Roosevelt and his son during their travels in Africa.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-18
H. C. G. Moule, the Bishop of Durham, writes to a “Miss Lawton” thanking her for a poetry book. Moule particularly enjoyed the essay on Edgar Allan Poe. He discloses his excitement at serving as the “right-hand supporter” to George V at his upcoming coronation. Moule closes by praising the new king and queen of England.
Postcard showing the royal carriage in which King George V and Queen Mary rode to the coronation ceremonies. Charles C. Myers notes the carriage, built in 1762 for $40,000, is drawn by eight cream colored horses.
In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “This is the Royal Carriage in which they rode in the procession. It was drawn by 8 cream colored horses. This carriage cost 40 thousand dollars.”
This postcard shows King George V and Queen Mary’s coronation procession returning to Buckingham Palace following the ceremonies at Westminster Abbey. Their royal carriage stands just outside the palace near the Victoria Memorial while monument and the Mall are lined with guards and crowds of onlookers.
1911
This postcard shows the royal procession of King George V and Queen Mary returning from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace by way of Picadilly Street. The roads are lined with guards, while watching crowds fill every available area, including rooftops of nearby buildings.
In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “The Royal procession returning via Picadilly which is one of the business streets of the city.”
This postcard shows King George V and Queen Mary returning from the coronation ceremonies through London. At Temple Bar, the streets are filled with the royal procession and lined with guards and crowds of onlookers. The city is festooned with decorations.
In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “The Royal Carriage passing Temple Bar. Temple Bar is an old gateway in the street which long ago was the entrance to the city. It is now an open street, but the old custom is still carried out, that even the king while on official business cannot pass thru [sic] this gateway without first obtaining the permission of the Lord Mayor of the city. So still carrying out the old custom, King George stopped the procession to officially obtain permission of the Lord Mayor to proceed thru [sic] the old gateway.”
This postcard shows the royal carriage bearing King George V and Queen Mary away from Westminster Abbey. The streets are lined with guards, while viewing stands are crowded with onlookers.
In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “This shows the departure of the Royal Party from Westminster Abbey after the coronation ceremonies. The greater part of London–all open places, being crowded as you see here, regardless of the inclement weather.”
Postcard showing the coronation procession approach Westminster Abbey. The Clock Tower is visible in the background. Many people have congregated on both sides of the street to watch the procession. Charles C. Myers notes Westminster Abbey is the location of the coronation ceremonies.
In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “Here is the arrival of their majesties at the entrance to Westminster Abbey. You can see the clock tower of Parlament [sic] Bldg. in the distant [sic].”