The artist, Frederick Marlett Bell-Smith wrote a pamphlet entitled, "A full description of the two historical paintings of the funeral of the late Sir John S.D. Thompson" (Toronto: Apted Bros., 1897?), in which he identified the scene and the individuals featured in it:
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For this Picture the Artist was honored with Personal Sittings
from the Queen and H.R..H. Princess Beatrice at Windsor Castle.
This picture represents the Queen in the act of placing a laurel wreath upon the coffin of the late Sir John S. D. Thompson, K.M.G., Q.C., M.P., etc., at Windsor Castle, Dec. 13, 1894.
"Immediately behind the Queen stands her youngest daughter, Princess Beatrice, recently called to mourn the death of her husband. Prince Henry of Battenberg. On the extreme left of the picture stands Sir Charles Tupper, High Commissioner for Canada, and at his side Mrs. Sanford, who, with her two daughters, represented the immediate friends of the deceased. Beside Miss Sanford, and close to the pillar is Lord Edward Pelham-Clinton (Master of the Royal Household), he is the second son of the Duke of Newcastle. The other side of the pillar is Lady Southampton (the lady in waiting). Beyond are the two Maids of Honor, the Hon Judith Harbord and the Hon. Frances Drummond. On the other side of the Princess is seen Miss McNeil (woman of the bed-chamber), now [Page 4] Duchess of Argyle. The Hindoo with the yellow clothing and white turban is one of Her Majesty's Indian Attendants; Her Highland Gillie, who died last year, is indistinctly seen outside in the porch-way.
The Indian Official standing on the opposite side of the entrance is the Munshi, Hafiz Abdul Karim, C.E.I., the Queen's Indian Secretary, and said to
possess great influence. At his side stands Gen. Sir Henry Ponsonby, P.C, G.C.B., who for many years was the Queen's Private Secretary; he was 6 ft. 2 in. in height. Beyond him is seen in the shadow of the archway, Gen. Sir John McNeil, (Equerry) who accompanied the Prince of Wales to this Country in 1861.
The tall gentleman next the pillar is Lord Hawkesbury (Lord in Waiting) and over his shoulder the head of the Librarian, Lieut.-Col. Holmes is just visible. On this side of the pillar are the Doctor, Sir James Reid, and Lieut.-Col. Sir Fleetwood Edwards (Assistant Keeper of the Privy Purse). Father G. Longinotto, Rector of St. Edward's is easily distinguished as the clean-shaven man with the strong, handsome, expressive face. Beyond him the tall, fine, military-looking man with white hair and moustache is Lieut.-Col. Clerk, Private Secretary to H. R. H. Princess Beatrice; and at his side is Lieut.-Col. the Hon. Wm. Carrington (Equerry).
The German Secretary, Mr. Muther, stands just behind the priest, and beyond are seen the Inspector and Deputy-Inspector of the Castle, Mr. Leonard
Collmann and Mr. Miles.
The scene occurred on the 13th December, 1894, [Page 5] in the Grand Entrance to Windsor Castle.