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'I would like to mention a few developments in the world outside 'the island',' writes Sydney Partridge, born in 1922 in London who, at the age of 2, moved with his parents to Ventnor in the Isle of Wight.
'The Golden Jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary occurred in 1935, and my father took us up to London for the day (12th May) to stand in Whitehall and watch the procession. Almost all the Kings and Queens of other countries were there, but to me they were simply over-dressed figures in horse-drawn carriages, in a parade of mounted troops with elaborate uniforms.
The figure I remember best was that of Lloyd George, the 'Welsh Wizard' who had been War Minister for much of the First World War and later, Prime Minister. When he had been Chancellor of the Exchequer, before that War, he had brought about Old Age Pensions and unemployment insurance. He must have been about 70 years old by 1935, (which was a good age in those days) yet he walked along Whitehall to Westminster Abbey, his cape flapping in the breeze and his mane of white hair was instantly recognisable.
King George V died about 8 months later and his eldest son became King Edward VIII. He was, however, 'involved' with a divorced American woman (Mrs. Simpson) and abdicated in December 1936 after only eleven months reign. He was succeeded by his brother, the Duke of York, who became King George VI and his coronation took place in May 1937. Again my father took us up to London for the day to see the procession.
It was quite an event for people from 'the Island' to go to 'the mainland', and then it was usually just to Portsmouth to see a good professional football match, or for the women to visit the big shops. To go up to London was a very special occasion, with a journey of about three and a half hours each way (including the 4 mile ride by ferry boat across the Solent, which slowed the journey considerably).'
It must have been quite a fascinating sight, seeing Kings and Queens from many other countries, especially at the tender age of 13 - possibly rather overwhelming.
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