Sir Robert Borden: Yesterday the peoples of the Empire in solemn mourning honoured the memory of a great King who had passed into the Eternal Peace. To their sorrow was joined that of all the nations for one in whose thought and life goodwill to all mankind had true expression.

More than any preceding Sovereign, King George was of the people. At the Jubilee, splendid pageants expressed the Empire's majestic tribute to him and to the Queen. Not the least memorable event of that wonderful celebration was their visit, at its close, to the working people of East London among whom they drove, unescorted and unattended, in token of intimate friendship and warm affection. The moving response of these people, not rich in this world's goods, but of sturdy and independent outlook, transcended in significance the ceremonial of the Jubilee.

At the very beginning, the late King was confronted with extremely critical conditions in the urge for constitutional change. Then came the supreme catastrophe of world-war; later the challenge of more far-reaching constitutional changes. Through these ordeals the King's balanced judgment and wise foresight guided him and influenced his ministers along the path of tolerance and unity.

Out of the paramount authority and power of feudal Sovereigns was evolved the moral authority and influence of later years. In the late King, this evolution had its perfect fulfilment. This man was King in the noblest sense.

From the first he owned fealty to his people and held himself consecrated to their service. This conception determined his course throughout his reign, until at midnight in the quiet of that Norfolk village, ‘God's finger touched him and he slept.'

I was received in audience by the King on many occasions when matters of intimate and grave concern were under consideration. Throughout the long-drawn agony of the War his courage never failed, and he never doubted the outcome. But I know how deeply he sorrowed for the hardships, the sufferings, the sacrifices of his people. A spiritual outlook, afterwards voiced in his messages at Christmastide, dominated his thought and its expression. He often spoke of our brotherhood.

Of the King's tender solicitude and most considerate kindness, I have vivid memories, one of which I may recall. After my collapse in health in the autumn of 1919, I crossed the Atlantic with Admiral Lord Jellicoe. Weary in mind and body to the point of utter exhaustion, I remained in complete seclusion. A most sympathetic message from the Palace bade me to a family luncheon at which I met only the King, the Queen and the Princess Mary as she then was.

Seven years later I had the honour of lunching with the King and Queen alone. Although his fortitude was unshaken, I felt that his strength was greatly impaired. But his interest in all that concerned the Empire's welfare was never keener.

Lonely in spirit, but firm of heart, the Queen Mother remains to carry on her duty, as in the past, in loving memory of him who has gone before.

King George sleeps with his fathers; the Crown continues, symbol of the unity, power and majesty of the Empire. Its ancient prerogatives have become the nations' liberties, since their exercise is determined by the advisers upon whom, from time to time, the people bestow their mandate. Upon this convention rests the political union between Grown and people; but there are spiritual ties of far deeper import.

Apart from these, the formal compact between Crown and subject is expressed in the Sovereign's oath of fidelity and the subject's oath of allegiance. Edward, Prince of Wales, had won the hearts of his people long before he took the Sovereign's oath as King Edward VII.

Having taken it, he gave to the Commons of Britain and to the entire Empire the memorable pledge that, throughout his reign he will follow in his father's footsteps. There could be no finer purpose, no nobler pledge. And it will be honoured. So, may God save and guide our King.