DUKE'S RETURN

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21436, 30 March 1935, Page 13

DUKE'S RETURN

ARRIVAL IN LONDON WELCOME BY BROTHER PRINCES EXITED FHESS ASSOCIATION— BT ELBCTRIC TELEGRAPH—COPrSIGBT.) (Received March 29, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, March 28. Portsmouth enthusiastically welcomed the Duke of Gloucester, who was greeted by the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York as he disembarked. All ships in Spithead Harbour dressed, and H.M.A.S. Australia was accorded a Royal salute as it passed through Spithead escorted by five destroyers and five flying boats. H.M.A.S. Australia arrived late, due to a channel fog. The Duke of Gloucester was officially welcomed by Lord Mottistone. Replying he said the tour had been altogether enjoyable. He was grateful for the kindness he had received overseas, and also the warmth of the welcome to-day. The Royal brothers entrained for London amid cheers from civilians and ratings. The Duke of Gloucester alighted at the flower-decked and beflagged Victoria Station, where he was met by their Majesties, the King and Queen, and representatives of the Dominions, including Sir James Parr, New Zealand High Commissioner. The Brigade of Guards provided a guard of honour, and thousands gathered in the spring sunshine to cheer the Duke on his way to Buckingham Palace. HONOURS AFTER DUKE'S TOUR LONDON, March 28. A Court circular announces that hus Majesty has invested the Duke of Gloucester with the insignia of the Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. His Majesty also invested MajorGeneral R. G. 11. Howard-Vyse with the K.C.M.G., Captain A. R. W. Curtis with the K.C.V.0., and Captam Howard Kerr with the C.M.G. The Duke of Gloucester is resting and did not attend (he first Court ol: the season at Buckingham Palace, at which the King wore his scarlet uniform as Colonel-in-Chief of the Life Guards. The Qu.cen was gowned in opalescent paillettes, the colours of which were ever-changing as she moved under the half-gold light from the candelabra, while diamonds and emeralds glittered in her corsage and hair. The ballroom was magnificently decorated with spring flowers. The Court is the first in living memory held in March, which was essential to avoid interference with the jubilee celebrations in May. ROYAL AMBASSADOR WORK I'OR EMPIRE UNITY (Received March 29, 10.30 p.m.) LONDON, March 28. The leading articles of most of the London newspapers are devoted to the return of the Duke of Gloucester. They, express appreciation of the warmth of the welcome everywhere accorded him, and stress the value of such visits in promoting Empire unity. The "Morning Post" says: "Possibly it is not the Statute of Westminster but the monarchy which is the cement holding the edifice of the British commonwealth of nations together. The Duke of Gloucester's mission fully accredits him to our brilliant corps of Royal Ambassadors."