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1901 & 1902 State Openings of UK Parliament.

The new HM King Edward VII opened his first parliament in February 1901, less than a month after his mother’s death. No photographs exist of this event, but many artistic representations were made at the time. Photographs do exist of the new Monarch and his Consort in their state attire on thr day, as well as some other members of the Royal Family.



The biography of HRH Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll notes that she wore the V.A. on a sash to the state opening.

shows a number the royal princesses wearing the distinctive white sash over their black mourning frocks.

The King's dayghter HRH Princess Maud [Princess Carl of Denmark] is shown in photographs that morning, wearing the V.A. on the white sash, photographed by her sister, and taken from HRH The Princess Victoria's photograph album.


1902 UK State Opening

Shows an illustration of HRH The Princess of Wales (later Queen Mary) wearing the white sash of the order.
https://www.rct.uk/collection/921044/king-edward-vii-opening-parliament-january-25th-1902