Aristocracy “May Change, But Will Never Die”

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29719, 12 January 1962, Page 9

Aristocracy “May Change, But Will Never Die”

SYDNEY, January 11. The Duke of Bedford arrived here by air today, convinced that the British aristocracy “may change somewhat, but will never die. ’’We have had to change our ways to exist—it’s not much use living in the past," he said, in a press interview. The Duke—accompanied by the Duchess of Bedford—has come to Australia to exhibit his private £2 million art collection of paintings, tapestries and silverware. He said he had “no qualms whatsoever” about commercialising his aristocracy and opening his ancestral home. Woburn Abbey, as a tourist attraction The Duke said that Britain was getting away fr a the landed aristocracy of the rest and coming in to the day of the commercial aristocrat "Good examples of the commercial aristocrat are Lord Nuffield and Lord Beaverbro'k. Here lies the strength of British aristocracy—the fact that they are able to adapt and change with the times,” the Duke said. “Another good thing about England’s aristocrats is that thev are classless, and trade leaders and businessmen have become peers. "This is one of the reasons why the British aristocracy is »h’“ to adapt and o ' die o-. t. a= haopened in Europe. “I have never found an English lord who is too proud to accept a few quid from

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some commercial venture,” the Duke added. The Duke and Duchess will remain in Australia about six weeks before returning home to the “souvenir trade" at the tourist centre of Woburn Abbey.