Page:King Edward VII, his life & reign; the record of a noble career.djvu/17

 KING EDWARD VII CHAPTER IX MARRIAGE 1863 When the Prince attained his full age, the time had come for taking his seat in the House of Peers. This event took place at an afternoon sitting of the House on February 5, 1863, the day on which the Parliamentary session was opened. The occasion was one of historical interest, seeing that over three- quarters of a century had elapsed since a Prince of Wales, the eldest son of George the Third, had played the chief part in such a ceremony. A unique feature on this day was that two Archbishops (Dr. Longley, of Canterbury, and Dr. Thomson, of York) also took their seats at the evening sitting. A brilliant company of peeresses and other ladies, including the Prince's relatives, the Duchess and Princess Mary of Cambridge, was present, when a procession entered the House from the Prince's Chamber, and advanced slowly up the floor. The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod led the way. This official, we may re- mark, is the principal usher of the court and kingdom, in constant attendance on the House of Lords, from whom it is part of his duty to carry messages and summonses to the House of Commons, always bearing the black rod which is the ensign of his office. He is also one of the original functionaries, as usher, of the Order of the Garter. Next to him came Garter King-of-Arms, in his robes, and then, preceded by an equerry, bearing the VOL. II. 1 13