Royal Visit In 1952

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26211, 7 September 1950, Page 6

Royal Visit In 1952

The announcement by the Prime Minister (Mr Holland) that a preliminary programme is being prepared for a visit by the King and Queen in 1952 will give great pleasure to New Zealanders, who deeply regretted that Their Majesties had to cancel their visit in 1949 because of the King’s health. They will be pleased that the King’s recovery has been maintained; and pleased, too, that anticipations aroused by the announcement in February that the King hoped to come in 1952 now have a firmer basis in the preliminary planning. They will pray that international events will not interfere. Although New Zealanders will want to see the King and Queen, their first concern will be for the comfort of Majesties. They will expect the Government to see that the programme, which is to be less strenuous than the one arranged for 1949, imposes no undue strain upon the Royal visitors. The arduous routine of travel by train should be minimised by the greatest possible use of sea and air transport. Some districts may have to be disappointed if the programme provides for the Royal Party to spend a comparatively' long time at central points; but they should realise that in the circumstances it is better for them to

go to see the King than to wait for him to seek them out. The 1949 itinerary provided for little leisure, and this could perhaps be remedied by extending the tour beyond five weeks. “ The Times ” commented recently that there should be no objection to this, since Australia and New Zealand have so far been granted far less than their constitutional share of Their Majesties’ time.

It is reported from London that Princess Margaret may accompany! her father and mother if her I engagements permit. New Zealanders will hope that she will be j able to come and share in the | enthusiastic and affectionate wel- i come that awaits Their Majesties. No doubt Princess Elizabeth will have to remain in England to take the traditional position of the Heir ; as head of the nation during the I absence of her parents. Under the ! constitution she will be tlie first of the Counsellors of State, who will perform Royal functions while the King is away. New Zealanders will look forward to seeing her and the Duke of Edinburgh on some other occasion, and will hope that it is not too far off. j