Fire Damages Part Of Kensington Palace

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30028, 12 January 1963, Page 11

Fire Damages Part Of Kensington Palace

(K-X-P A-Reuter—Copyright)

LONDON, January 10.

Princess Margaret today watched 100 firemen battle a blaze which threatened her future home at Kensington Palace. A painter working on the roof of Apartment lA, Kensington Palace, London, WB, smelt smoke and raised the alarm.

Spectators who saw the 15 fire brigade units arrive rt the palace included the nextdoor neighbours. Princess Marina, Princess Alexandra, and Prince Michael ot Kent Princess Alexandra’s fiance, Mr Angus Ogilvy, also watched. Within an hour the flames were Under control. butnot before a 25ft sttetch of the roof had been badly damaged. The bUx * part of the roofing at the of Princess Marina, mother of the Duke of Kent and Princess Margarets aunt The -Daily Sketch” mM the Royal tenants stood m teinpei alurrs out*”™d watched firemen taring the blaze under contrMncess Alexandra had on

a light green coat and a scarf over her hair. Prince Michael was hatless and coatless. So was Mr Ogilvy, who hurried by car to the palace when he heard of the blaze.

As the fire was put out. Princess Alexandra talked animatedly to her mother.

Then, the emergency over, she strolled away with Mr Ogilvy’s arm around her. Princess Margaret arrived at the palace soon after the fire started and took some photographs. Work has been going on since March, 1961, on the 10room house where Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon will live. At present the Royal couple live in a smaller house at the palace, No. 10, and planned to move in next month. Their move will now be delayed. A statement by Princess Marina's comptroller said the fire was confined to the root void, where there was con-

siderable damage, “The Times” reported. Water damage was minimised. Princess Marina’s and Princess Alexandra’s personal rooms escaped damage. The chief officer of the London Fire Brigade. Mr Leslie Leete, said the fire was restricted to an area about 20ft by 30ft of the roof ove the servants’ quarters.

Mr Leete said there was a little water and smoke damage in the servants’ rooms. The fire was in a part of the building immediately adjoining the apartments being constructed for Princess Margaret, “The Times" said. The Public Building and Works Ministry said Princess Margaret’s new apartments were slightly affected. Temporary repairs were under way, but there would be some delay in occupation. There would be considerable inconvenience to Princess Marina and her household.