Thursday, March 24, 2011

The Athlones have left the White House

March 24, 1945

The Earl of Athlone, Governor General of Canada, and his wife, Princess Alice, left Washington, D.C., this afternoon after spending two days at the White House with President and Mrs. Roosevelt.   Lord Athlone and Princess Alice boarded a train for Ottawa after "bidding farewell" to the Roosevelts.   
Earlier today, they attended a luncheon hosted by Acting Secretary of State and Mrs. Grew in Blair House, "the historic mansion the government has acquired for entertainment of visitors."

President Roosevelt accompanied  Lord Athlone and Princess Alice to Union Station.

Only 16 guests attended the luncheon, according to the Chicago Daily Tribune.  The guests were limited to Lord Athlone's party, the Ambassadors of both countries and their wives and "military and naval aides."

The highlight of their stay was the state dinner given at the White House last night.   Vice President and Mrs. Truman "headed the group from the President's official family."  Canadian ambassador and Mrs. L.B. Pearson "were the only foreign diplomats" to attend the dinner.

No comments: