THE KAISER'S CHILDREN.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 259, 1 November 1890, Page 3 (Supplement)

THE KAISER'S CHILDREN.

Household Stories as to How They

Are Brought Up,

That fche Emperor William brings up his little sons like soldiers is well known. They rise wifch the sun and go to bed ab 6 or 7 o'clock, and the ' Pall Mall Gazette' says further : ' Five o'clock is their usual hour for rising; anfd they are not allowed to remain in bed for a minute after they wake, aa the Emperor thinks that the babib of lying in bed encourages self-indulgence, Tho two youngest have an English governess ; but the three eldest are under the care of a military tutor and waited upon by men servants. If they run to the nursery their tutor asks if they have been there to have " a baby's bottle. - '' 1 We v/ent there for prayers,' said one of the Princes when rebuked.

' " Prayers will bo read in my room for the future," said the tutor, who has received orders from the Emperor to observe military discipline in the princes' apartments. ' The Crown Prince is aware that he will one day bo Emperor. He discovered the fact for himself, although he is always sbyled Prince William, and, by hi 3 father's command, has never been told thab there is any difference between himsolf and hia brothers. He is a clover boy, full of fun, but with a great idea of his own importance. Prince Eitel Frederick is a favourite with every one, partly because he is so handsome, partly on account of his sweet disposition. He is a born soldier, and delights in making mimic war with h_3 tin soldiers, who represent all the nations of Europe. The Princes are devoted to their father and mother. It is no uncommon thing to find tho Empress in the nursery before 6 o'clock in the morning, dressod and ready to begin the day. In tho middle of the winter she may be seen walking in the Thiergarten with her husband by 8 o'clock.

4 All day long she is bußy receiving visitors, performing public functions, or writing for fche" Emperor until her hand aches. Both tho Emperor and Empress aro very conscientious. They are determined to fulfil the duties imposed upon them by their positions. But the Empress grieves over the fact thab she cannot spend much time with her children. When she was simply Princess* William she heard the Princes say their prayers every night, superintended the nurseries, and insisted upon rigid economy. The clothes of one little prince were handed on to his younger brother by her orders, and nothing was wasted. Now she is obliged to content herself with embroidering the clothes of her babies. She is an accomplished needlewoman and very fond of sewing. * But few people give her credit for the share she takes in the Emperor's work. J It is a greab mistake to imagine fchab she is a mere hausfrau. Those who imagine this should have seen her on horseback ab bhe last military review, dressed in the uniform of her regiment, which she led past the Emperor. She is exceedingly popular in Germany, not only on account of her domestic virtues, but because she haa strengthened the German empire by bringing into the world five sons. Presents are showered upon her for the children. Bufc fche presents never reach the nursery. Probably few children are so simply fed or dressed as the little princes. They are taught to despise luxury and fco look down upon affectation.

4 " Are the plush costumes coming today?" the Crown Prince inquired on his birthday. He referred to some little playmates who always visit him in velvet.'