The King in his carefully worded speech called for reconciliation and Peace in Ireland.
In ArchivePaper Records of a near final draft of The King’s Speech Collection Ref: RCIN PS/PSO/GV/PS/MAIN/32977/C/1
The King’s Speech (near final draft) on the occasion of the Opening of the first Northern Ireland Parliament June 1921
The King in his carefully worded speech called for reconciliation and Peace in Ireland. It was spoken in the context of the ongoing Anglo Irish War.
The King had a delicate balance to strike in addressing the assembled dignitaries knowing that his words would be both heard and reported well beyond the walls of City Hall.
It is recorded that Sir James Craig, Northern Ireland’s Prime Minister wrote a potential draft Speech for the King for consideration, a draft which it is said caused the King “great distress”.
Following the advice and input of a number of contributors an entirely new text was drafted as a carefully constructed and considered message, not just to those present in the City Hall itself but also to those hearing his words well beyond its walls in the wider world.
The UK Prime Minister Lloyd George had his Private Secretary Edward Grigg produce the core text of the final draft of the speech. This had in it’s composition contributions from the South African Prime Minister Jan Smuts.
The King was handed his Speech in a beautiful Silver presentation Silver scroll case – a gift from Belfast Harbour Commissioners to the King upon the occasion of the Opening of Parliament on 22nd June 1921.
As the King finished his Speech a 21 Gun Royal Salute was discharged with Guns from Ships of His Majesties Escort and by the Royal Field Artillery.
This draft is on Typed paper sheets which have each been embossed on the top with the Royal Crest.
This draft is marked “Draft Two” in pencil.
This appears to be a near final draft of the speech with just one alteration in pencil appearing on the front page - whereby the Address to the “Gentleman” of the Senate and the House of Commons has been replaced with “Members” of the Senate and of the House of Commons to reflect the fact that two Female Members of the House of Commons were elected in the elections of May 1921.
Owned by by Royal Collections Trust Collection Ref: RCIN PS/PSO/GV/PS/MAIN/3297. Images Used with Permission Royal Archives / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2021