On May 21, 1889, King Kalākaua hosted a reception and ball at ʻIolani Palace in honor of the commander and officers of Her Britannic Majesty’s Ship Cormorant, which was scheduled to depart for home the following day. Guests began arriving shortly after 8 p.m. as the Royal Hawaiian Band performed on the makai lānai. Inside, the Throne Room glowed with electric lighting, and the Grand Hall and Blue Room were decorated with lush arrangements of ferns and palms. Just before 9 o’clock, King Kalākaua entered the Throne Room with Prince Kawānanakoa and Vice-Chamberlain Mr. Robertson to receive guests. Major Wodehouse, Her Britannic Majesty’s Commissioner, introduced the officers of the Cormorant and Espiegle to His Majesty. In their honor, Kalākaua wore the Order of St. Michael and St. George, a British decoration he had received during his visit to London on August 12, 1881. The Daily Pacific Commercial Advertiser described the event in detail. The reception lasted about half an hour before dancing began at 9:45 p.m., accompanied by a string ensemble from the Royal Hawaiian Band. His Majesty retired shortly afterward, and supper was served just after 11 p.m. Dancing continued into the early morning hours, with guests departing around 1:30 a.m. Pictured: Order of St. Michael and St. George on display in the Basement Gallery (fb)

On May 20, 1858, Albert Edward Kauikeaouli Kaleiopapa o Kamehameha was born to Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV. Shortly after his birth, he was declared a prince and heir to the Hawaiian throne. A few months before his fourth birthday, Prince Albert was made an honorary member of the Honolulu Fire Department. He participated in the firemen’s parade held in honor of his father’s birthday. In this photograph from the Hawaiʻi State Archives, the young prince wears his fireman’s uniform, a reflection of his royal status and the close ties between the aliʻi and their community. (fb)