Who's Who in India Supplement 1 (1912)/The Investiture

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THE INVESTITURE

One of the most impressive ceremonies during the Durbar period was the Investiture which was held by His Majesty on the evening of 14th December. The Knights Grand Commanders, the Knights Grand Cross, the Knights Commanders and the Companions and Members of the various Orders were present in their respective robes and insignia. As soon as Their Majesties had taken their Thrones and the proceedings had been formally opened, a pleasant and gratifying surprise awaited the spectators of this superb spectacle. Her Majesty the Queen-Empress, leaving her Throne, retired, shortly afterwards reappearing in the robes of the Order of the Star of India. Her Majesty proceeded to do homage to the King-Emperor, who then, in the usual manner, created her a Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India. Her Majesty then resumed her Throne, and the Master of Ceremonies then introduced the Knights Grand Commanders and Knights Grand Cross to be invested, afterwards the Knights Commanders and Knights Bachelors, followed by the other recipients of titles and honours. Each, on being introduced, did reverence on bended knee, and kissed his Majesty's hand on rising after being invested with the badge of his new distinction. The Imperial Cadet Corps was present as a guard of honour. The ceremony was a most memorable one, and impressed all who were privileged to witness it.