“We, the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the City of Westminster beg on behalf of the Citizens, to accord your majesties a most hearty welcome on the occasion of your visit to our City.
We trust your visit to our beloved King, Queen, and Country will strengthen still further the bond of friendship which exists between the Swedish and English Races. You have the happiness to rule over a law-abiding and contented people, who though descended from a Nation of heroes, are yet lovers of peace.
We rejoice to note the great increase of commerce between the two nations of late years, and it is our earnest desire that your Majesties may have a long, prosperous, and peaceful reign.”
Given under our Common Seal this 18th day of November 1908.
(Swedish National Archives 1902 års dossiersystem, vol 3565 b)
It was for this address that Robert Woolley Walden received his first Knighthood.
“My Dear Walter,
I am sorry to bother you but I believe that this is about the time that the lists are being prepared for January Honours. I enclose the dossier of R.W. Walden whom you know and who has been Chairman of the M.A.B. for the last four years. He has done yeoman service on the local bodies of Westminster & from the record you can see he has got to be head of every one. He is quite well off as he was in business as a chemist from which he retired, I believe, some years ago.The real point about his case is that he is sixty two years of age and people do not get younger. What he wishes is to be made a Knight and I personally think that he well deserves it. He was I believe cut out of the list last time – not the only one as you know.I am still very busy here and there is always something new going on. Since July a process of counting (?) out and something like 1,200 recruits to be made into rough riders & grooms. Not an easy job with ex confectioners – bootmakers factory hands from the North of England but it has to be done. We have had also to send two squadrons abroad. France & Salonika & this means replacing them. Now we have received orders to train & condition horses for artillery as the reserve Brigades are not able to send the required number. However it is all very interesting & our turn over is wonderful. Hope you are fit & well.Yrs ever H M Jessel
P.S . Let me have a reply. I can send Walker though I sincerely hope that it will come off.”(The Political Papers of Walter Hume Long, 1st Viscount Long of Wraxall, 1854-1924
Wiltshire & Swindon Archives 947/772)A typed dossier was included:-
“Robert Woolley Walden, J.P Co. London
METROPOLITAN ASYLUMS BOARD.
Member for past 16 years. Present and for the fourth time Chairman of the Board.The work of the board and the responsibility of its Chairman and officials has never in its past history been more onerous or of more importance. Since the outbreak of war all the Board’s resources have been placed at the disposal in relief movements of national urgency.
Member Appeal Tribunal, County of London, including City of London – Deputy Chairman at F Section.
Held commission as Captain in 1st Volunteer Battalion Royal Fusiliers – Brigade Cyclist Officer. NATIONAL RESERVE. Is a member of the Joint Committee. 1916”
The response from Lord Long:
“My Dear Herbert,
Many thanks for your letter. I had already included the name you mention on my list and I hope the result will be satisfactory this time.
Yours ever Col. Walter H Long”
As it was, Robert Woolley Walden did not receive his British Knighthood until the 4th of June, 1921.
