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More about the King of Siam and Taplow
The following is a summary of an article in the Maidenhead Advertiser of Wednesday August 11th 1897, which covers the arrival of the King of Siam at Taplow station the previous Friday. It provides a fitting elaboration of the article about this topic in our Autumn 2009 newsletter. Ed. “ The King of Siam (King Chulalongkorn) arrived at Taplow on Friday evening last, and was accorded a right royal reception. He journeyed, with his suite, in a special train from Camberly, to which a luxuriously furnished saloon was attached for the accommodation of his majesty. Taplow station had been lavishly and tastefully decorated with flags sent from the Siamese Legation, the national colours predominating. The station platform was carpeted, as was the paved way outside the station, and the scene hereabout was very bright. No one was allowed on the platform save those who had come to meet the king from Taplow Court, and the Siamese Legation and representatives of the press, who were treated with every courtesy. The King was accompanied by the Crown Prince and amongst others were Lord Harris, Colonel Carrington, Colonel Hume. (Names ring a bell?! Ed.) Outside the station hundreds of people had gathered to witness the arrival while near the station an escort composed of the 4th Squadron of the Royal Bucks Hussars was drawn up under the command of Captain H. W. Lawson and Lieut. Grenfell. On exiting the station the King eyed the escort “somewhat curiously’, but was evidently pleased with their smartness and general turnout. The escort formed round the vehicle reserved for the King and was conducted to Taplow Court, amid hearty cheers from the assembled crowd. Many persons fringed the line of route, and at Taplow Court there was a very large concourse of persons who warmly welcomed the King.” Fred Russell