Black leather binding with gilt edging. Painted inset on the front board. Marbled endpapers. Signed illustrations by Alfred Edward King, artist and musician.

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This is a unique book prepared for publication via subscription. Regrettably, prior to printing there was a death which prevented the project proceeding. Hence, this wonderful one-off draft publication. 

The Silver Jubilee of George V on 6 May 1935 marked 25 years of George V as the King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India. The Jubilee was marked with large-scale and popular events throughout London and the rest of the United Kingdom in May 1935. It was the first ever Silver Jubilee celebration of a British monarch in history. The King died less than a year later.

The Silver Jubilee Celebrations in London began with a carriage procession through London to St Paul’s Cathedral for a national service of thanksgiving on 6 May 1935. It was followed by another procession back to Buckingham Palace, where the Royal Family appeared on the balcony. The King and Queen were joined by members of the Royal Family, including Queen Maud of Norway, the Prince of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of York, the Princess Royal and the Earl of Harewood, the Duke of Gloucester, and the Duke and Duchess of Kent. Due to popular demand, the King waved from the same balcony for a few consecutive days later in the same week.

The Jubilee day was declared a bank holiday and celebrations were held across the United Kingdom with garden parties, pageants and sports events. At 8 pm, the King’s Jubilee speech was broadcast. He gave thanks “from the depths of his heart to his dear people” on behalf of himself and Queen Mary, for the Jubilee commemorations.

Throughout the month of May, the King continued taking carriage rides through London. He also took one through north London for the Queen’s birthday on 26 May, during which they were accompanied by their two granddaughters: Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret of York.

The Jubilee was also marked with a ball for two thousand guests at Buckingham Palace on 14 May, an Empire Exhibition and the State Opening of Parliament. A reception was hosted by the Lord Mayor of London in honour of the King and Queen, which was also attended by the Prince of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of York.

During the Jubilee celebrations, the King received a large number of telegrams from across the empire and around the world, with warm wishes, both from world leaders and his subjects. The public’s reaction to George V’s appearances over the jubilant celebrations only confirmed the popularity of a Jubilee celebration as well as the esteem in which the King was held.