From The Spectator, 7 November 1914:
On Wednesday next the King will open Parliament in state, the only alteration in the prescribed ceremonial being the temporary disuse of the glass coach. This alteration is due to a cause which, it is interesting to note, is reflected in every large household in the kingdom. So many members of the King’s servants have gone to the front as soldiers that it is difficult to find a sufficient number of the men trained to the ceremonial work. Otherwise, and most properly, the state will be full state. We are sure that the country as a whole will most heartily endorse the King’s decision. In one of Stevenson’s “Fables” the Lieutenant, who comes to the Captain to announce that the ship is in great peril, is met by the remark: “That is no reason, Sir, for going about half shaved.”
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