ROYAL BETROTHAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 279, 23 November 1921, Page 5

ROYAL BETROTHAL.

PRINCESS MARY ENGAGED.

TO VISCOUNT LABCEIXES. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Received 1<1.30 a.m.i LONDON, November 22. The Central New* Agency states that Princess Mary is engaged to Vipeount Lascelles. — (Central News.)

So far there is no official confirmation of the reported engagement of the Princess, and it is possible that it ia no more authentic than previous reports of engagements of members or the Royal family. The Princess Victoria Alexandra Alien Mary is now 24 years of age, having been horn on April 25, 1897, the third of the children of Their Majesties. She possesses a charming personality, and is extremely popular, not only in society circle?, but also with the general public for her ready response to all appeals for assistance in movements having for their object the amelioration of the condition of the poor or the sick. She -was at the head of many organisations which did useful work in war time, and Princess Mary"s '"Gift Book" was an immense stimulus to patriotic endeavour. Her spontaneous gaiety and approachable manner have made her beloved all over the Kingdom, and general rejoicing will be expressed at her betrothal to an Englishman. There will be a widespread hope that the Prince of Wales will follow the example of Princess Patricia of Connaught and of his sister by choosing a partner within the King&m. Viscount Lascelles is the eldest son of '•.he fifth Earl of Harewood, and is now 3!) -.ears of age, lia-ving been born on September :>, 1882. He was educated at Eton, and on leaving school was posted to the Grenadier Guards, holding the rank of second lieutenant. In 1906 he resigned, and for two years was honorary attache to the British Embassy at Rome. He then went to Canada as A.D.C. to the Governor-General, returning in 1911. He rejoined his regiment on the outbreak of tile European war, and served until 1017. continuing his service after being wounded. His father, Earl Harewood, is 7o years of age, and is one of the King's aider. He owns 20,700 acres, eUiefly in Yorkshire.