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20 May 1910 — Ca’ Capello, Venice | |
Friday. 20th [May 1910]. Day of the funeral at Windsor of King Edward VI. We had a very solemn service in the English Church here (St. George in Campo San Vio). I went off in gondola with Ola Du Cane, Betty Murray, Helen Belkeley Johnson & Elizabeth Boyle at 10.30 with the silk flag which was given Henry by the “Antelope” when we left Constantinople on the prow, half mast. At the door we met the Prefect in uniform & there were also all the Consuls, & all the representatives of the Italian authorities. Seats were reserved for them in front & they filled up ¾ of the space. Mr Montalba had had the church draped very nicely in black & gold– Over the Communion table was an immense cross of white roses– Over the front of the gallery were draped 2 flags of St George, & the letters E.R.I. in gold. The music was led by Lady Radnor. The organist Sigr Conte. The church was full. Places were reserved for residents. Exactly at 11 the clergy came in; our chaplain Mr Price & 2 others who happened to be passing thro’ Venice. Two hymns were sung & the Psalm was chanted. At the end all stood while the Dead March in Saul was played & it was very solemn & touching—& everyone seemed affected. I thought that it was probable that the Italians present had never seen such a reverent service—their own services all generally so much the contrary. There were also 2 of the Queen’s ladies present, Css Papadopoli & Css Gabriele Brandolin. After the Dead March there were a few prayers & then Mr Price gave the blessing & the clergy went out in procession & the Italian authorities followed before any one else was allowed to move. The service took about an hour. I felt impelled to telegraph a word to our poor Queen Mother so I did so in these few words: “The hearts of all the English here are with you today.” In the afternoon I went out to see Angela Reinelt who is better. At 4.30 Ola & Concetta Malagola joined me & we went over to the Hospital and thence to the Eden’s garden and as there were no other visitors there I sat & had a nice chat with Carry Eden. There are generally such numbers of visitors there that one gets no speech of her. It was a very hot day & the roses were full out in magnificient profusion. We got home about 7. The girls with Helen J. & Pss Taxis went to the Lido for the afternoon—& out at 10 p.m. in the motor boat with Mr Whitaker. The Princess & I went early to bed—but I not to sleep much, for at two a.m. I woke & am now writing this at 5 a.m—being quite sleepless. | |
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