3-021-060 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Ball at the British Embassy, Constantinople, in honour of the Prince and Princess of Wales, 1869. 'In the evening the grand ball took place at the British Embassy, which was attended by the Sultan and [the future King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra]. It was certainly the most brilliant ball ever witnessed in Pera. Upwards of 600 invitations were issued to the diplomatic body and the elite of the Turkish and Frank [ie western European] community. The Sultan arrived at half-past ten, when the Prince, Mr. Elliot, and their suites went down stairs to receive his Majesty. His Royal Highness led the Sultan up stairs, and shortly afterwards dancing began. The Prince of Wales and Mrs. Elliot were partners in the first dance, with the Princess and the British Ambassador. The Sultan sat on his chair on the raised dais and looked on; but in the next dance the Prince and Princess of Wales took their seats beside him, and were for the time spectators. The Sultan left the ball at midnight; their Royal Highnesses stayed till five in the morning'. From "Illustrated London News", 1869.