The New International Encyclopædia/Court, Presentation at

COURT, Presentation at. What in monarchical countries is considered the honor of being presented at Court or formally introduced to the sovereign, is valued not only for the éclat of the ceremonial, but also for its service as a credential. Having been received by his own sovereign, a person may expect to be received anywhere else, and may claim to be presented by the representative of his country at any foreign Court. The privilege is therefore carefully guarded from abuse; and during her long reign, Queen Victoria exercised the most scrupulous personal supervision over the names of those who sought the honor, excluding all whose reputation was in the slightest degree tarnished. In England the names of those desiring to be presented, and of their presenters, must be sent to the Lord Chamberlain's office several days previously for approbation. Those who are not British subjects may be presented by their own ambassador. An elaborate ceremonial, including the wearing of full Court dress, is connected with the ceremony. For fuller information as to court dress, etc., consult Armytage, Old Customs and Modern Court Rules (London, 1883).