If the procession as a whole was defined by its dignity and sombre magnificence, individual elements within it were unable to suppress their private grievances. Amid the cavalcade of emperors, kings, princes and grand dukes, only two republics were represented. Edward’s affinity with France was so well-known, and his role in the brokering of the Entente Cordiale so legendary, that the French Foreign Minister, Stephen Pichon, had been deputised to represent President Fallières. It was an honour that he rode in the procession at all. Almost all of the other non-royal envoys had proceeded
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