THE DUCHESS' BABY.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 95, 23 April 1926, Page 7

THE DUCHESS' BABY.

AN ILLUSTRIOUS INFANT. MAY BE QUEEN-EMPRESS. LONDON, April 22. The birth of a daughter to the Duchess of York has aroused interest in the new Pr.incess throughout the nation partly owing to the unspoiled personality of her mother,, the duchess, and partly because the baby becomes the fourth lady in the land. The newspapers point out that if the Prince of Wales should remain unmarried and if the Duke and Duchess of York have no son their baby daughter may become Queen" of England. Therefore- it is suggested that she should be named Elizabeth, Victoria or Mary. The news of the birth was known too late for most of Wednesday morning's newspapers. It was cabled to Australia and New Zealand while most Londoners were in bed. Consequently business girls and men passed the residence in Brunton. Street on tbe way to work not knowing of the event. As the morning advanced, however, the news spread and crowds gathered before the house. They were ' soon reinforced by an army of Press photographers. Early visitors included Miss Pryk'e, daughter of the Lord Mayor of London, who "arrived in the civic coach. A procession of distinguished persons came later. Two Sisters of Mercy and an old nurse of the duchess- and of Princess' Mary arrived with a huge bunch of red carnations. A gardenful of flowers had been delivered in a few hours. King George and Queen Mary were awakened between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. and told of the birth; of their granddaughter. They promptly sent their congratulations. Later in the day Their Majesties motored from Windsor to Brunton Street. The crowd outside the residence cheered them heartily as they entered. They remained for half an hour and saw the baby. The ''Daily Telegraph" says the little Princess is apparently slightly below the average weight, but strong and healthy. Felicitations were received by the Duke of York from all parts of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Kenya and the various parts of East Africa which he recently visited with the duchess. '. The accouchement of the duchess was expected at the end of April, ,but it was realised on Tuesday Ithat the event was nearer than had been supposed. The doctors were summoned late on Tuesday night, and the Home Secretary was summoned in accordance with the usual custom when births occur in the Royal Family. \ Sir George Blacker, obstetric, physician at the University College Hospital, was called in for consultation with th** other medical men. He was for'merlv examiner in midwifery at the Universities of London, Liverpool and New Zealand. Sir Henry Simson. surgeon to the Hospital for Women. Soho Square, one of the signatories of, the bulletin, attended Princess Mary at tbe birth of her. two children.— (A. and N.Z.-"Sun"-Beuter.)

The Governor-General (Sir Charles Fergusson) sent the following message yesterday to His Majesty the King oh the occasion of the birth of a daughter to Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York:

"On. behalf of the Government and people of New- Zealand I desire to express to .His Majesty tbe King with my bumble duty the intense satisfaction and interest which is felt in the announce-" ment of the birth of a daughter to Her Royal Highness the Duchess of York, and to offer the respectful tions of all His Majesty's subjects in this Dominion."