King George VI and Queen Elizabeth attended a Gala Performance of the Comedie Française, the French National Theatre, at the Savoy Hotel in London on this day in 1939, 85 years ago, ahead of the French State Visit to Britain.

The Queen was greeted by the Countess of Bessborough (wearing the Bessborough Tiara) as she arrived at the Savoy Hotel.

Queen Elizabeth is presented with a bouquet of flowers by Lady Bessborough, the wife of the Earl of Bessborough, Chairman of the Anglo-French Art and Travel Society, at a performance of the French National Theatre “Comedie Francaise” at the Savoy Hotel in London

Had long been looking forward to attending GALA PERFORMANCE OF THE COMÉDIE FRANCAISE at the Savoy, honoured by the presence of their Majesties, and was fortunate enough to be invited to the subsequent supper-party for members of the cast.

The Queen, a radiant figure in a dress of her favourite white, which undoubtedly suits her lovely colouring better than anything else. Dress made with wide skirt sparkling with gold paillettes, was worn with a white fox cape-in fact, a royal symphonie en blanc majeur for her Majesty’s pochette bag and her chiffon handkerchief were white, and her jewels consisted of diamonds. She and the King, who are both well acquainted with performance of French literature. ‘Ecole des Maris” obviously enjoyed the admirable and ” Le Chandelier. as much as any of us.

Queen Elizabeth wore the Teck Crescent Tiara with the Coronation Necklace and Earrings.

Crown