Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Thursday 18 August 1881, page 3


The Royal Princes.

The announcement that the princes would join a riding party starting from Government House yesterday forenoon attracted quite a number of people, who embraced the opportunity of obtaining a good view of the distinguished young visitors. Groups formed along the pave-ments in George and Queen streets, and in most of the balconies overlooking the roadway, and waited patiently for the promised cavalcade. At about a quarter to 12 o'clock it made its appear-ance, turning the corner of George and Queen streets. An open carriage came first, with the Governor, Captain Lord Charles Scott, Vice-Admiral Earl Clanwilliam, and Mrs. F. T. Gregory. After the carriage Prince Edward rode with Miss Kennedy, another carriage fol-lowed, and then a group of horsemen and horse-women, among whom was Prince George. The order changed as the party neared Petrie's Bight, Miss Kennedy's horse being made very restive by the continued and enthusiastic cheers which greeted the princes as they passed along, and the royal lads took their places one on either side of her. The impression produced by Prince Edward on colonists who have been absent from " home " for many years was that he strongly resembles his mother as she appeared when first brought, a young girl, in state through the swarming streets of London. Prince George has a merry air, and a very pleasant smile. It was remarked that he also resembles a member of his mother's family — his uncle, the King of Greece, when he was a lad. For the benefit of country readers it may be stated that they are two pleasant-looking, gentlemanly lads, and that they sit their horses in a manner that might advantageously be copied by many a young colonial who may be very good after scrubbers, but who has not paid attention to the elegancies of horsemanship. The party went down along the Breakfast Creek-road, turning off to ride over the high ground near Eldernell, and coming out on the racecourse. From there they crossed over to the Sandgate-road, coming out on it near the residence of Mr. R. Little, and then went on past the Albion to the Bowen Bridge-road, re-turning past the hospital, and by Gregory and Wickham terraces, Creek-street, Queen-street, and George-street, arriving at Govern-ment House about half-past 1. The reception in the afternoon was crowded, and the princes played several games of lawn tennis. One feature of the affair was the pre-sence of a considerable impromptu gathering of spectators ranged in deeply interested rows along the low fence which separates the Government House lawn from the public garden.

To-day, the presentation of addresses, begin-ning with that from the Legislative Council, will commence at ten minutes to 11 o'clock.

After lunch, it is probable that another riding party will be formed, and the princes taken to the One-tree Hill. In the evening there will be an "At Home," at which from 400 to 500 guests are expected to be present.