Empire’s Rejoicing And Good Wishes

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25346, 20 November 1947, Page 3

Empire’s Rejoicing And Good Wishes

ELIZABETH A BELOVED PRINCESS . In solemn state befitting the traditions of the Monarchy Princess Elizabeth will to-day go to Westminster Abbey for her wedding to Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, R.N. The wedding day of the most popular girl m the Empire to the 26-year-old naval lieutenant, who only a few months ago renounced his title as a Prince of Greece to become a. commoner of Britain, will be one of rejoicing in all parts of the British Commonwealth, and will arouse deep interest in other parts of the world. Since her engagement, the people of the Empire and the rest of the world have learned much more than they knew before of the girl who has been educated from childhood to take her place on a throne. In charm, devotion, and popularity she has already shown herself a worthy heiress to the Throne; and her broadcast from South Africa on her twenty-first birthday, when she dedicated herself to the service of her future subjects, made them realise the high sense of responsibility she will bring to the heavy burdens of a Queen. When Princess Elizabeth’s father and mother were the Duke and Duchess of York, she was third in the line of succession, and it seemed unlikely that she would ever become Queen. Since she became Heiress Presumptive on December 12,1936, however, she has assumed more of the wearing duties of Royalty. These have increased sinceher twenty-first birthday, when she took her place as an adult member of the Royal Family.

Princess Elizabeth became eligible at the age of 18 to succeed her father as a Queen in her own right, without the need for a Council of Regency, and with full exercise and control of all the Royal powers and prerogatives. It was not until her twenty-first birthday in April, however, that she could legally sign documents on her own responsibility, control the personal fortune bequeathed to- her by King George V, and act in other respects as an adult person. For a princess, the future Queen has had a somewhat unconventional upbringing, but it has fitted her perfectly for her role in the modern world. It is reflected in her poise, her disarming sincerity, her affection for her people, and her knowledge of their interests and problems. She is a fluent linguist in French and German, and has a wide knowledge of constitutional history and international affairs. To the shy friendliness of her father and the glowing charm of her mother she has added her own vital, youthful grace, and in her own right has already contributed much to making the Royal Family a beloved and intensely human symbol of the Empire’s greatness. Blue-yed and brown-haired. Princess Elizabeth is mediumly tall, and has a creamy, fair complexion, and perfect teeth. Her hair has a natural wave, and although it has darkened since she was a child, gold still lights it. She has inherited her father’s love of cetail, his conscientiousness, his impatience with talkative boredom, and his enjoyment of the outdoors. She differs from him in her complete lack of shyness, in her assurance, and in tier enjoyment of crowds and ceremony. She has a fine intelligence. From her mother she inherits a quick l anile, enjoyment of speaking, and love of books and of the ballet. She differs from her mother in a fondness for exercise, enjoyment of night clubs, and constant changes of temperament and mood. 'Wide Interests of Princess There is no phase of life in which Princess Elizabeth does not take a delighted interest. Since the war ended she has appeared everywhere—at the opera, at charity balls, at youth tallies, at the races, and at the theatre. Dancing is her favourite recreation, and she knows all the traditional dances of the British countries; but the prefers the more modern dances, particularly the fox-trot played in medium time. She listens to all the latest American dance hits on her own short-wave radio. When she has time to spare from her duties, Princess Elizabeth likes to ride in Windsor Great Park. She is a skilled horsewoman, and" has hunted occasionally in the winter months. Swimming also has been one of her favourite sports, and she is an excellent swimmer, using a strong crawl stroke. Having celebrated her twenty-first birthday only seven months ago, Princess Elizabeth will be marrying at an earlier age than any Sovereign’s daughter since the time of Victoria. Queen Victoria herself married shortly before she was 21, but three of her daughters were married at an even earlier age. , Princess Elizabeth has the same Btrong sense of responsibility and conscientiousness known in Queen Victoria and Queen Mary. This conscientiousness is most marked in the manner in which she carries out her public duties. In the last few years they have become increasingly many •nd various, but she has shirked none, •nd at all times she has shown the lame sincerity.