3-065-598 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Luncheon given by the Lord Mayor to the Prince of Wales at Guildhall, 1874. 'The luncheon or dejeuner was laid in the great hall for about 850 persons; the chief table was placed along one third of the length of the hall, with the other tables at right angles to it. The guests were received in the Library, where chairs of state were placed for their Royal Highnesses and the Lord Mayor. Mr. Charles Bacon, the sculptor of the statue of the Prince Consort, was here presented to the Prince of Wales...The repast being finished, grace was said by the Rev. C. Calthrop, the Lord Mayor's chaplain. His Lordship then proposed to drink the health of the Queen, which was done, and was followed by the National Anthem. The next toast, "The memory of the late Prince Consort," was drunk in solemn silence. In proposing the health of "the Prince and Princess of Wales and. others of the Royal family," the Lord Mayor referred, with good taste and some humour, to the Duke of Edinburgh's journey to St. Petersburg and his approaching marriage. The Prince of Wales, in his reply, acknowledged the compliment to his brother, as well as to himself and the Princess of Wales. He proposed the health of the Lord Mayor...The Grenadier Guards' band played the National Anthem'. From "Illustrated London News", 1874.