Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 1935. THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 273, 31 August 1935, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 1935. THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER.

All mankind loves a lover, but when romance has come to a highly popular member of the Royal family, there is special significance for the King’s loyal subjects. In New Zealand particular interest attaches to the betrothal of the Duke of Gloucester as it is only a few months since His Royal Highness visited' the Dominion, when he won the sincere regard of everyone by his manly qualities, befitting one of high lineage and a soldier. Ashburton, though it was favoured with only a few minutes acquaintance with him, shares in the general sentiment, so quickly did he establish himself- in the hearts of the people. The place he holds in the estimation of the King’s subjects has been won in a different manner from his elder brothers. At an early stage he decided on a military career, and after a term with the King’s Royal Rifles he transferred to the Tenth Hussars, his great love for horses influencing his choice. The King stipulated that the prince should be promoted in the ordinary way, and should not enjoy any special privileges. He had therefore to perform all the duties of his rank, and take a full share in the work of the regiment, with the result that he appeared much less in public than the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York up to 1927. His desire is for a career like that of the Duke of Connaught, in which he would rise to the highest rank in the army. The seriousness with which he discharges His duties is exemplified by the fact that he obtained special leave from his regiment in order to proceed tc Balmoral to seek His Majesty s consent to his engagement. Not the least pleasing feature of the occasion is the fact that the future Duchess is of British lineage. With the shining example of the Duke and Duchess or York before them, the people of the Homeland and those of the Dominions will welcome the advent of Lady Alice into the Royal circle. She typilies all that is best in British womanhood. While a iover of the open air life she is by no means devoid of domestic and artistic ability and in every respect should be a worthy help-mate for the Duke. From all points of view the occasion is one for warm, sincere congratulation. The expressions of regard come from the hearts of the people, a circumstance of singularly potent meaning to the world at large to-day. Monarchies have fallen, ureat nations are in the hands of dictatorships. There is unexampled political unrest and rival factions almost everywhere follow dangerous courses A new doctrine of political force is being preached and practised Democracy is said to be on trial but amid the turmoil the British Throne stands arm, giving force to the contention that i is not democracy but dictatorship that is on trial. So that the felicitations and good wishes of the people of !\ew Zealand will have this in common with those of ethers of the lung s subjects —that they are based on loyal attachment to the Royal family.