Gaumont Graphic No. 1182

King George V and Queen Mary open the lavish new offices of London County Council in this 1920s newsreel

There's pomp and ceremony aplenty in the first item of this Gaumont newsreel, which sees King George V and Queen Mary open the "palatial" new home of London County Council - built at the eye-watering cost of £4,000,000. Their majesties do the rounds of the assembled crowds, offering royal handshakes - with the scene lent a faintly ridiculous air by the wind fluttering the plumage on the king's hat.

The second item sees some more ceremonial showing off, this time in a review of French troops at Longchamps. Celebrated generals receive Marshal's batons - and a kiss on both cheeks in place of the stuffy British handshake.