EX-KING'S RETURN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 272, 16 November 1937, Page 7

EX-KING'S RETURN.

♦ A STUMBLING BLOCK. Deadlock Over Recognition Of Duchess. MAT BETUBN TO AUSTRIA. LONDON, November 11. The King has telephoned the Duke of Windsor to inquire what his movements in the immediate future "will be, states the Paris correspondent of the "Daily Express." The Duke replied that his plans are indefinite. The possibility of the Duke and Duchess returning to England has been informally discussed by members of the Royal Family, the "Express" adds. High officials of the Government are believed to have been consulted on the point. But they have found the Duchess' status in* England a stumbling ! block. It is known that the Duke is holding out for recognition of his wife under the title, "Her Royal Highi.ess." This is impossible in terms of the Royal Proclamation of May 28. In this proclamation the King issued letters patent giving the Duke of Windsor the right to use the title "Royal Highness," which he had sacrificed by his abdication. It was expressly stated, hcwjver, thut the tit.e would not be granted to the Duchess of Wind- ! sor or to any children of the marriage. . Urged to Keep to Speech. It has been suggested as a compromise that the Duchess should be ' "received" by members of the Royal Family, and should continue to be known as "Her Grace." It is doubtful, however, whether the Duke would agree to this, although he would dearly love to return to England. They may go to America in the spring or summer, it is forecast. Kitzbuehl, in the Austrian Alps, is mentioned as a possible destination. This town in the Tyrol, 50 miles from Innsbruck, is a popular resort, where holiday-makers bathe in chalybeate springs arid mud baths in the summer, and ski and skate in the winter. But it is known that the Duchess is not keen about winter sports, although the Duke is an enthusiastic skier. In an editorial, the "Daily Express" says: "The best advice the Duke's friends can tender him is that he should step outside the public arena. That is hard advice. The Duke doesn't want to loaf. Hβ never did. He wants to lead a useful life. "But, for some time, whatever Edward puts his hand to, he will be criticised, and probably misunderstood. Therefore, while the danger lasts, he had better revert to the intention expressed in his farewell speech—'l nowquit altogether public affairs. . . .'"