Socialist Era

Socialism inaugurated its reign with regal pomp.

The day was wet and grey, but millions of Londoners lined the route of the royal procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster. WRENs in uniform perched on the Admiralty roof; pajama-clad residents of Carlton House Terrace clung to chimneys. The cheers swelled in ear-splitting waves. By historic chance, V-J day came on the day the new Labor-dominated Parliament opened. In one burst Britons were hailing victory, the Crown and Socialism.

In the newly painted crimson-&-gold state coach drawn by the famed Windsor greys, Their Majesties--the King in naval uniform, the Queen in a turquoise blue suit with feathered hat to match--smiled and bowed toward the tumult. Ahead of the postilions, a State Guard of Household Cavalry clop-clopped proudly. Escorted by motorcycle outriders, the Comptroller of the Lord Chamberlain's Office, Lieut. Colonel Sir Terence Nugent, rode clasping a suitcase in which rested the Imperial Crown. Not since World War II began had the jewel-studded emblem left its sanctuary to be displayed.

Peering Peeresses. Paced by the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, M.P.s thronged the already crowded House of Lords (no King since Charles I has been permitted to set foot in the House of Commons). The lobby was packed with peeresses who had not been able to get seats. For the historic occasion many had brought along their children and governesses. An outraged House of Commons officer sourly viewing the breach of precedent, muttered: "This is blasphemy."

Pompous Labor Lord Strabolgi (the tenth of his line) backslapped portly Labor Lord Quibell (first of his line), an ex-Midlands bricklayer. Lord and Lady Woolton (he top-hatted, she bejeweled) nodded to Sir John and Lady Anderson (he in formal cutaway, she in wedge sandals). Opposition Leader Winston Churchill, in striped pants and spotted bow tie, came with Anthony Eden, magnificent in formal clothes and studied carelessness.

At the door Prime Minister Clement Attlee paused to chat with his good friend, the ex-Prime Minister. The day before, the King had asked Churchill to greet the cheering crowds with him from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Churchill declined; since he was not in office, it would be unconstitutional. When Prime Minister Attlee heard of it, he also declined the honor which, he said, was rightfully Churchill's.

The lobby was crowded, too, with wives and friends of new Labor M.P.s. Many came straight from the bleak mining towns of the north. They gazed in awe at the unfamiliar pageantry. Completely unawed was Violet Attlee, who is still doing her own housework in her spick-&-span Stanmore villa, and has not yet moved into No. 10 Downing Street.

In the King's Name. Precisely at 11 a.m. the King and Queen entered and seated themselves on the newly gilded thrones, the Queen's a little smaller than the King's. Heralds, kings-of-arms and pursuivants grouped themselves about. In a clear voice, with his stutter scarcely noticeable, the King read the Speech from the Throne. It was one of the most remarkable speeches ever uttered by any King. Written and repeatedly revised by Prime Minister Attlee, it proclaimed in the King's name (his private views are never proclaimed) the first steps in the Socialist future Labor has charted for Britain.

In 20 unhurried minutes, the King announced plans for the nationalization of the Bank of England, the nationalization of the coal mines "as part of a concerted plan for the coordination of the fuel and power industries," the extension of social insurance, the establishment of a national health service, the repeal of the Trade Disputes and Trade Unions Act (which in effect bars general strikes).

Brighter Radiance. When the Crown had played its part as the symbol of unity and of the continuity of free government, Prime Minister Attlee spoke: "In this country we are blessed with a King who . . . combines with an intense love of our country and of all his people a thorough comprehension of our Parliament and democratic institutions. . . . The King and Queen . . . have strengthened the bond uniting them to our people. This bond is no constitutional formality. It is based on deep affection and understanding."

Leader of the Opposition Churchill added: "The King is the embodiment of the national will. . . . Monstrous tyrannies which menaced our life have been beaten to the ground in ruin, and a brighter radiance illuminates the Imperial Crown than any which our annals recall."

The Socialist era had officially begun.

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