The Friends of ʻIolani Palace 2023 ornament is inspired by a dance card for a Palace ball that Their Majesties King Kalākaua and Queen Kapiʻolani held in honor of the Prince and Princess de Bourbon, who were visiting from Austria in 1889. As the royal couple entered ʻIolani Palace, the Royal Hawaiian Band played the Austrian national anthem from the veranda outside the Throne Room. They were greeted by the royal family and sat next to Their Majesties during the reception.
Dancing took place in the Throne Room and lasted until 2:30am. This dance card belonged to W.H. Cornwell, a government official under King Kalākaua. Dance cards informed attendees of the music that would play during the ball and allowed them to keep track of who they were going to dance with for each song. The front of the dance card features a crown with a red and gold decorative frame. On the inside is the order of dances and the guest’s dancing partners for each song. On the back of the card is the branding of King Kalākaua.
This ornament is an exclusive ʻIolani Palace design.
By David Howell & Company
Solid brass, electro-plated with gold finish