Royal Questions of Etiquette

There are certain obstacles in the way, but it is hoped that they may not prove insurmountable. In the first place, a Court official of experience says, as the Prince of Wales represents the King, it would be unusual for him to visit any foreign country officially, except as the guest of that country's Chief of State or its government. King Edward personally is said to be strongly favorable to such a visit, yet he may be slow to establish a precedent which hereafter might lead to trouble or misunderstanding. – The Prince of Wales of 1902, would go on to become King George V, in 1910. He was the only “Emperor of India” to be present at his own Delhi Durbar.

Invitation to the Prince  

London is Surprised and Gratified – Serious Obstacles in the Way of His Acceptance – Questions of Etiquette May Interfere With His Being the Guest of the New York Chamber of Commerce—King Edward is Personally in Favor of the Visit

LONDON, April 7.—The suggestion that the Prince of Wales attend the dedication of the new home of the New York Chamber of Commerce excites the liveliest surprise here, coupled with satisfaction at the indication of good feeling on the part of the leading members of America's industrial community. Undoubtedly, it is hoped in political circles, that the expected invitation will be accepted. Inquiries have elicited the fact that in Royal Court, and official circles, it is recognized that there are certain obstacles in the way, but it is hoped that they may not prove insurmountable. In the first place, a Court official of experience says, as the Prince of Wales represents the King, it would be unusual for him to visit any foreign country officially, except as the guest of that country's Chief of State or its government. King Edward personally is said to be strongly favorable to such a visit, yet he may be slow to establish a precedent which hereafter might lead to trouble or misunderstanding. 

Then, the fact that other European Royal heirs apparent and persons of eminence have been invited, raises questions of etiquette which assume very serious dimensions in the eyes of Royalty and Court functionaries. It has been already arranged that the Prince shall go to India next winter to make a tour of the Empire and to attend the proclaiming of his father Emperor of that dependency. The Court official heretofore mentioned, points out that unless the Prince can visit New York on the way, it will be too great a strain on him to cross the Atlantic and back in the autumn, especially as heavy demands on his, by no means, robust constitution will be made by the Coronation festivities. Anyway, it is a fact that such a visit would be extremely popular here, and it is believed in Court circles that the King, who is well aware of the international advantages of such an interchange of courtesies, will do all in his power to accede to the New York Chamber of Commerce's hospitable invitation. – Los Angeles Herald, 1902

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