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Originalantique royal commemorative postcardpublished byRaphael Tuck & Sons, depicting the famousProcession of the Nine Kings, held inLondon on May 20, 1910.
Front Image:
A richly detailed, full-color illustration shows an extraordinary ceremonial procession of European monarchs riding on horseback in full military regalia. The event took place during the funeral ceremonies ofKing Edward VIIand is widely remembered as thelargest gathering of reigning monarchs in modern history.
The procession includes (as labeled on the card):
King George V (United Kingdom)
The German Emperor
Kings of Norway, Greece, Bulgaria, Denmark, Spain, Portugal, and Belgium
The Duke of Connaught
The monarchs are shown wearing elaborate uniforms, medals, and plumed helmets, emphasizing the power, pageantry, and fragile unity of pre-World War I Europe. The artwork is signedHarry Payne, a noted military and royal illustrator known for ceremonial and regimental subjects.
Back / Publisher Details:
Printed“Tuck’s Post Card”with the royal coat of arms and“By Appointment”designation, confirming Tuck’s status as official art publishers to the British monarchy. Part of the“King George V” Royal Postcard Series, series number9877, and marked“Chromographed in Prussia”, reflecting the high-quality German printing used by Tuck before World War I. Undivided back format.
Historical Context:
The Procession of the Nine Kings is often described as thelast great moment of European royal unitybefore the outbreak of World War I in 1914. Many of the monarchs depicted would soon find themselves on opposing sides of the conflict, making this image a powerful symbol of a vanished political world.
Raphael Tuck & Sons produced a number of royal and state event postcards during this era, which were widely collected as souvenirs and historical records. Cards depicting this procession are especially desirable due to the significance of the event and the number of identifiable monarchs represented.
Details:
Event: Procession of the Nine Kings
Location: London, England
Date Depicted:May 20, 1910
Publisher: Raphael Tuck & Sons
Artist: Harry Payne
Era:1910
Postcard Type: Illustrated royal commemorative postcard
Postal Era: Undivided back
Condition: Light age toning, edge and corner wear, and gentle surface wear consistent with age; image remains strong and detailed (see scans for full condition)
Amuseum-worthy example of early 20th-century royal history, ideal for collectors ofBritish monarchy, European royalty, pre-World War I history, or Raphael Tuck postcards. Visually striking, historically significant, and increasingly scarce.