DUKE OF GLOUCESTER.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 64, Issue 32, 17 November 1943, Page 4

DUKE OF GLOUCESTER.

GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTMENT. PLEASURE IN AUSTRALIA. SYDNEY, Nov. 16. Until the present moment it would have been impossible to appoint the Duke of Gloucester Governor-General of Australia, because, under the Regency Act, as the next person of full age in the succession to the Throne, he would have had to act as Regent in the event of the King’s death.

With Princess Elizabeth attaining her majority in April, 1944, this difficulty automatically disappears, and with Lord Gowrie’s term extended, there will be no occasion for the Duke of Gloucester to leave Britain before the Princess comes of age. It is understood that no definite term is attached to the Duke of Gloucester’s appointment, but it is unlikely to extend over a very long period.

The Associated Press says it is most unlikely that the Duke’s establishment in Canberra will differ materially from Lord Gowrie’s. The staff will probably be on austerity war-time lines. After the death of the Duke of Kent, the Duke of Gloucester gave up his fulltime military duties to give the King more help.. Australia will find the Duchess a charming and unassuming woman, although perhaps one of the most retiring members of the Royal family.

“The Times,” in a leading article, says: “Unwearying as the Duke of Gloucester has been in the discharge of the manifold duties of Royalty in England, and much as the Duchess will be missed, there could be no worthier task to which a Prince of the blood could be called than that of presiding over the Government of one of the great Dominions.

“If events follow the generally expected course, his arrival may coincide with or be closely followed by the transfer of strategic interest in the world war to the Pacific Ocean. It will fall to him to represent the King at a time when the continent which Australians have so resolutely defended in very anxious days, is made the base for an irresistible forward sweep of the United Nations across the ocean. He may reasonably anticipate being still in Canberra when the Japanese usurpation is overthrown throughout the Far East, and' while a better order is taking shape in the Southern Hemisphere, victorious Australia will be a greater power in this order and bear heavier responsibilities than ever before. The good wishes of the Empire will accompany the new Governor-j General on his mission.”

The Duke of Gloucester is not expected to arrive in Australia before next August to take up his appointment as Governor-General. A State Governor will act as Governor-General following the departure of Lord Gowrie and pending the arrival of the Duke.

Whether the Duchess and their two-year-old son, Prince William, will accompany the Duke to Australia depends on the state of the Avar at the time of the Royal party’s departure from England, but the Duchess is reported to be extremely anxious to come.

In view of the Royal family’s desire for Avar-time simplicity, the Duke of Gloucester’s household is expected to be comparatively small. It is not thought, therefore, that aiiy extensive additions will be made to Government House, at Canberra, on which £70,000 was spent AVhen the Duke of Kent was appointed Governor-General-de-signate.

Some political commentators in Australia suggest that Mr Curtin will visit England early next year, and will confer with the Duke before he leaves to take up his appointment.