ARTICLE ON PRINCESS

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28889, 8 May 1959, Page 5

ARTICLE ON PRINCESS

Brawl In Rome Press Club

(N Z Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 8 p.m.) ROME. May 7. An Italian count last night Promised to apologise to the British Ambassador for being involved in a brawl over Princess Margaret with the head of the European monarchist movement, Mr Menato Marmiroli.

Count Goffredo Polidori said he came to blows with Mr Marmiroli in the Rome Press Club on the night of May 5 after he called to protest about a recent Italian magazine article alleging a romance between Princess Margaret and Prince Henry Hesse. His discussion had touched on Mr Marmiroli’s duel challenge in 1957 to Lord Altrincham over Lord Altrincham’s criticisms of the Queen. He had been defending the Princess’s right to privacy and had described the article as “journalistic gangsterism.” Mr Marmiroli was treated in hospital for skin abrasions and bruises His monarchist movement said in a press statement that Count Polidori’s attack was “brutal, savage and treacherous aggression.” The monarchists’ statement said the motive was Mr Marmiroli’s “courageous defence” of Princess Margaret. Telegrams of solidarity and congratulation were pouring in from all over Italy. Count Polidori said his letter to the British Ambassador (Sir Ashley Clarke) would “humbly beg forgiveness” for focusing renewed publicity on the British Royal Family.