“The Consort” A Novel, To Be Published In U.K.

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30952, 7 January 1966, Page 10

“The Consort” A Novel, To Be Published In U.K.

(Special C.rspdt. N.Z P A.) LONDON. Jan. 5. A novel called “The Consort” is expected to be published in Britain soon —in spite of everything, says the “Guardian.” Its first publisher got so far as having an edition printed but then thought better of it A second publisher wrote to Buckingham Palace and received an icy reply, but he is hopeful of bringing it out in February. In the book, which was published in the United States last year, the handsome Consort of a horse-loving Queen is sent on a world tour.

He stops for a while at the Backward Islands and becomes good friends with one Tia.

| In a primitive ceremony, the islanders sacrifice and eat some horses and it is suggested that the Consort, out of courtesy to his hosts, may be obliged to join in the feast. “If he did," cries the Queen back in her European capital. “I shall never forgive him. Never.” The author is Anthony Heckstall-Smith. The new publisher said he sent a copy to the Duke of Edinburgh. He received a reply to a letter written to the Duke at the Palace saying there was no point in commenting. “The publisher thinks the book is a good laugh,” says the “Guardian." “It is set in a sort of Ruritania. though there are recognisable things llike a royal yacht.”