Souvenir in Commemoration of the Women's Homage Procession to the King and Queen

Souvenir paper table napkin issued to commemorate the Women's Homage Procession to the King and Queen on the occasion of their silver wedding. This event that took place on Saturday 29th June 1918 and involved representatives from women's military organisations and women war workers including contingents from the Women Police Service and Munitions workers. The procession formed in Hyde park and marched to Buckingham palace where the King and Queen received the address. The napkin is illustrated with woodcut portraits of King George V and Queen Alexandra and surrounded by a blue leaf and floral border.

Similar souvenir napkins were printed for every large public event, ceremony or procession that occured in London from the early to mid 20th century. The squares were imported into London from Japan pre-printed with a decorative border in up to 5 colours and a blank central area. Burgess was one of the main printer of such napkins that would be sold for one penny (1d) by street hawkers moving amongst the huge crowds that attended such popular events.