3-011-398 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales to Sweden: torchlight procession to the Royal Palace at Stockholm - from a sketch by our special artist, 1864. The future King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in Scandinavia. '...as the members of the Royal family took their places in [the carriages], running footmen, with flambeaux, dashed to the front, the quaintly-costumed horsemen galloped at their side, the coaches themselves tore off at speed, and an exciting spectacle was presented...The torchlight procession, for such it was, from the quay to the palace, was indeed a curious sight. The "Charles the Twelfth" guards are the most antiquated in appearance of any troops in Europe...These mounted warriors were followed by officials, also on horseback, and also strangely apparelled, carrying flambeaux. Carriages and four, the first being escorted by guards, followed, and were quickly passing through the entrance-gates of the palace, to the quick, sharp hurrahs which are the Swedish form of popular welcome or approval. The courtyard of the palace was crowded with, people. The military band played "God Save the Queen" incessantly'. Illustration from "Illustrated London News", [1864].