EX-PRINCESS' LAWSUIT.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 5, 7 January 1922, Page 11

EX-PRINCESS' LAWSUIT.

A POTSDAM SCANDAL.

About a month ago the widow of Prince Joachim of Prussia obtained from the Potsdam Civil Court a decree for the custody of her son, who was detained by Prince Eitel Friedrich on the ground of authorisation by the exKaiser. It now appears that when the (Princess' "Lady-ini-Waiting" presented herself with an officer of the tribunal at Prince Eitel's villa in Potsdam to take over, the child they were confronted with an order of a local "Court of Guardianship," to the effect that because of the mother's manner of life the lad was to remain with his uncle. The Princess has consequently been compelled to take further legal action "to clear her reputation."

At the hearing of her suit she put in an affidavit declaring that the stories of "suspicious events" in which she was said to have been involved at a Munich hotel were "malicious calumnies." It was also alleged against her that among her friends was a certain Yon Stroemar, since shown to be an impostor. To this she replied that she had become acquained with the man through her husband, and therefore had no reason to distrust him. Moreover, her dealings with him had been limited to a few formal visits.

One witness for Prince Eitel cast reflections on her mode of life in Bearchtesgaden. She was, however, able to produce a certificate from leading citiaens of the town, including two judges, to the effect that she had "always shown a demeanour suitable to her station, never overstepped the bounds of propriety, and enjoyed undiminished esteem." On the strength of this evidence tbe civil tribunal quashed the decision of the "Court of Guardianship" and ordered Prince Eitel to give up the boy. Princess Joachim :s a member of the family formerly ruling in Anhalt..