ITINERARIES FOR ROYAL TOUR

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 68, Issue 140, 25 March 1948, Page 3

ITINERARIES FOR ROYAL TOUR

No Details Before August

VANGUARD EXPECTED TO SAIL IN FEBRUARY

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) LONDON, March 23.

The itineraries for next year’s Royal tour of New Zealand and Australia are not expected to be completed earlier than August. The Prime Ministers of the two Dominions have already been asked to submit their suggestions, and as soon as these are received they will be studied personally by the King.

At present it is expected that H.M.S. Vanguard will sail in February, and arrive in New Zealand early in March, though this is subject to alteration as the itineraries are further discussed. His Majesty does not leave the itineraries to his staff, but will read and consider all the details himself before giving his final approval. In this he will be assisted by the knowledge he gained on his previous tour of the two Dominions.

At present it is expected that the King will take two private secretaries, two equerries, his press secretary, and his doctor, and the Queen one secretary and two ladies-in-wait-ing, and Princess Margaret one lady-in-waiting.

Small Party of Correspondents

As accommodation on the Vanguard is limited, only a small party of newspaper correspondents will travel from Britain in the battleship. This is likely to be restricted to two press agency representatives, one BBC com' mentator, and one or two cameramen. At the beginning of August, when it is expected that preliminary arrangements for the tour will be well advanced, the King and Queen and Princess Margaret will go to Balmoral, and will remain there till the end of September. They will then return to Buckingham Palace until they go to Windsor for Christmas. After a brief visit to Sandringham they will probably return, to London earlier than usual in January in order to complete final arrangements for their departure. One important matter requiring the King’s close consideration is the appointment of a Regency Council to act during their Majesties’ absence from this country.'

While on board the Vanguard the King will be kept closely in touch with all home and foreign news, probably by a special cypher service from the Foreign Office. In New Zealand and Australia this news will be transmitted to him through New Zealand and Australian Government

Princess Margaret’s Clothes

It is reported that Princess Margaret may broadcast in Australia to young people. It is also stated that the clothes she will wear on the tour will be the most formal and sophisticated she has had yet. Though talks with the dressmakers will not begin for some months, it is expected that simple pastel coloured day and evening dresses, with light-weight suits and hats, will predominate. Her make-up will also be planned. Princess Margaret at present uses a light cream and powder vith bright lipsticks, which tend to accentuate her smooth, pale skin. Their Majesties will spent Easter at Windsor Castle, and a small family party will include Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Mary. The Court will move to Windsor on Thursday, and remain there for about five weeks. Guests who will be entertained uiclude Mrs Eleanor Roosevelt, Mr Attlee, Sir Stafford Cripps, Mr E. y Shin well, and other members of the Cabinet.

The Sovereign’s escort of the Household Cavalry, which will accompany the King and Queen when they drive in procession from Buckingham Palace to St. Paul’s on April 26, the silver anniversary of their wedding, will wear full dress.