3-016-965 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Fete given by the Prince Imperial to poor children of Paris in the Tuileries Gardens, 1864. 'The officials of the Emperor's household had caused provision to be made for the gratification of a large number of visitors, both old and young. A long line of tables, spread with white damask, with store of cakes and wine upon them, extended in front of the terrace...The waiters in attendance were servants in the Imperial livery, with the addition of a few soldiers...There were various amusements, such as an exhibition of tightrope performances, merry-go-rounds, puppet- shows, Punch and Judy (in the French version of Polichinelle)...This pleasant scene of popular festivity beneath the stately trees of the palace gardens is portrayed in our Engraving...The Emperor, the Empress, and Princess Clotilde were present, walking quietly through the crowd. The little Prince remained there for nearly two hours. The gardens were, of course, full of people, though a charge of 5f. was imposed for their admission by ticket, and none were allowed to enter without leading some children by the hand. The money raised by this means must have brought a considerable augmentation to the funds of the Children's Loan Society'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.