THE KING’S ILLNESS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 53, 26 November 1928, Page 11

THE KING’S ILLNESS

MAINTENANCE OF IMPROVEMENT PHYSICIANS CONFIDENT ANXIETY THROUGHOUT EMPIRE SHOWN The latest bulletins concerning the King’s illness are regarded as highly satisfactory. His Majesty’s physicians are confident that he has weathered the storm. (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, November 23. A bulletin issued from Buckingham Palace early this afternoon ran as follows :—“The King passed a restless night, his temperature remaining at 101. There is a slight extension of mischief in the lung, but His Majesty’s strength is maintained.” The bulletin . was signed by Lord Dawson and Sir Stanley Hewett, the King's physicians. A high official of the Royal Household states with the authority of the physicians that certain bacteriological investigations, which are habitual in all cases of microbe infection, have been carried out, and that a third doctor, who is a distinguished bacteriological specialist, was called in for this purpose. The Duke of York returned to London this afternoon from Northamptonshire, and went at once to see the King. The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Gloucester, who are normally in frequent telegraphic communication with the King, have been told of their father’s illness, but no message has been sent which might tend to shorten their African tour, STREAM OF INQUIRERS AT THE PALACE THE KING CHEERFUL (United . Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Australian Press Assn. —United Service.) London, November 23. Lord Dawson and Sir Stanley Hewett reached the Palace at 10 o’clock, and there was some surprise that the bulletin was not issued until 12.45 p.m. It was later reported that, despite the somewhat less reassuring bulletin, it was understood that the Palace household was not unduly anxious, while the King was quite cheerful. It is understood that the King this afternoon obtained some rest. The King is in the charge of skilled nurses, another having arrived to-day. The crowd lessened owing to the persistent rain, which was also tlie reason why the military guard was changed without music, in accordance with the custom in bad weather. ' It is announced that the physicians visited the Palace late last night with a distinguished bacteriological specialist, who carried out the bacteriological investigations customary in all cases of microbic infection. There is a continuance of telephonic inquiries and a constant stream of important visitors. Though the bulletin announced that the physicians would not return till the evening, Lord Dawson returned at 12.30 and saw His Majesty and remained for luncheon. A high official at the Palace in the middle of the afternoon allayed anxiety which the visit might have aroused, saying that the illness, though serious, was not to be regarded as in any way alarming. The German Ambassador was one of the earliest callers at the Palace, and also at the Foreign Office to inquire as to the condition of the King. He conveyed his Government’s earnest hope for a speedy recovery. SOLICITUDE OF ALL CLASSES (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) London, November 23. Every other interest in the United Kingdom has receded before the solicitude of all classes for His Majesty’s health. This is illustrated by the constant coming and going of crowds of people outside Buckingham Palace, where hitherto if has been encouraging that no special bulletin has yet been posted. Every incident, however, is being recorded by frequent editions of the newspapers. The official announcements are couched in language least likely to arouse alarm. For example, Princess Mary is coming to keep her mother company. Tlie Duke of York came from Naseby, and remained for three-quarters of an hour in the King's room, arranging to return to Naseby to-morrow. The Prince of Wales, who during the whole of his tour has been in regular communication with the Palace, has

been told of his father’s condition, but no message has been sent calculated to shorten the tour. The Queen of Spain called and took tea with the Queen and Princess Victoria, the latter remaining for some time. SYMPATHY IN FRANCE Paris, November 23. Tlie whole Press is showing the greatest solicitude and sympathy in the King’s illness, and emphasise that the people’s deep affection is exemplified by the crowds outside the palace. A QUIETER DAY (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) London, November 23. _ A bulletin states that the King is quieter to-day, with a lower temperature. The mischief in the lung has not extended. X-RAY EXAMINATION MADE ILLNESS PURSUING NORMAL COURSE (Australian Press Association.) . London, November 23. In connection with the illness of the King it is announced that an X-Ray examination of His Majesty has been made. It is stated that the X-ray examination was purely for the purposes of diagosis, and must not be regarded as in any way indicative of a disturbing condition. An eminent physician, discussing the subject, said the King’s condition showed that his illness was pursuing its normal course. His condition will probably fluctuate for about seven days, but there is no cause for real alarm. “The mischief referred to is congestion, but the fact that the congestion had extended slightly need not alarm, as this was a condition which may vary hourly.”

Princess Mary, who travelled from Goldborough Hall to-day, explained that she was not expected at the Palace until to-night. To-day’s mail at Buckingham Palace was unusually heavy, there being letters from all over the country and from people of every class wishing the King a speedy recovery. There are also many telegrams and cablegrams from every part of the British Empire. MORE OPTIMISTIC ATMOSPHERE London, November 23. A special X-ray apparatus was used for the examination of the King. It was brought unostentatiously into the Palace. During tlie examination, which was carried out with considerable secrecy, ouly those closest in touch were aware of what was going on. The task presented considerable difficulty, as it was made while the King was lying in bed. The Instrument was brought from the principal X-ray centre, London experts supervising the delicate and difficult Installation. Sir Stanley Hewett and Lord Dawson were in attendance. The full results will not be known immediately, but there are grounds for belief that the King’s advisers are well satisfied with his present condition, and there is an improved tone in tonight’s bulletin, which led forthwith to a more optimistic atmosphere in the Palace. The information was conveyed instantly to the Queen and the Duke of York, the latter having arrived at the Palace at 8.30 p.m. It was then transmitted to other Royalties, including Princess Mary, who, it is understood now, is not going t> the Palace to-night.” Members of the Royal circle and the King’s personal staff are prepared to retire with the assurance that His Majesty’s condition is distinctly less serious. It is learned that Lord Dawson has found himself able to fulfil a private engagement to-night. < FAIR NIGHT PASSED HIS MAJESTY WEATHERED STORM (Australian Press Association.) (Rec. November 25, 5.5 p.m.) London, November. 24. An official bulletin states that the King passed a fair night. Yesterday evening’s improvement was maintained. Pleurisy, which commonly accompanies this type of congestion of tlie lungs, continues to be a prominent feature. His physicians are confident that His Majesty has weathered this storm, but any recurrence of the trouble in the near or distant future would go hardly with him. LAST PUBLIC APPEARANCE BAREHEADED IN RAIN AT THE CENOTAPH (Rec. November 25, 5.5 p.m.) London, November 24. Everybody now recalls that the King’s last public appearance was at

the Cenotaph ceremony on November 11. After a night’s heavy rain the morning was damp and misty. Drizzling rain began to fall before the service had ended. Yet the King stood absolutely bareheaded throughout, though many of the spectators held their hats close to their heads. It is not suggested that he caught a chill then, but the incident gives point to the suggestion that the King is now less strenuous. The “Morning Post” publishes a touching photograph of King George standing in the rain beside the Cenotaph, with a sad expression on his face. ANXIETY IN ALL PARTS OF EMPIRE PERSONAL AFFECTION AND LOYALTY (Rec. November 25, 5.5 p.m.) London, November 24. The “Observer” states: “In all parts of the Empire the anxiety shown proves what store is set on His Majesty’s health by every section of his subjects. Wherever the flag flies his name is cherished, not only in personal affection and loyalty to the Crown, but as the embodiment of steadfast leadership and duty. The King made great inroads into his physical reserves by his unswerving acceptance of every work and responsibility with which his exacting conscience could charge itself. His present illness suggests that it would be unwise for His Majesty in future to offer overmuch defiance to the English winter. For her prolonged reign Queen Victoria had to thank her periodical resort to a milder climate. King George, following that example, would be furthering what all his peoples recognise as one of their highest common interests.” The “Daily Chronicle” says: “The affection with which the King is regarded finds expression in widespread anxiety. Everybody feels personal concern, and the question suggests itself whether, when he recovers, he ought not to make regular extended winter visits to warmer climates. Everyone in personal touch with the King knows his constant addition to duty. He hates to feel he is not discharging in full his daily tasks. It is a creditable trait, but one which his subjects wish to see somewhat relaxed in the interests of his health.” REASSURING SIGNS VISITS PAID BY THE QUEEN BULLETIN ISSUED MURE SPEEDILY (Rec. November 25, 11.5 p.m.) London, November 24. Though at first the use of the word congestion in the morning bulletin caused surprise, relief was felt when it was known that the Queen was sufficiently assured to pay a private visit in the morning and keep her afternoon engagement at the Albert Hall, where in conversation with Dame Ethel Smythe she said the Kiug was very much better. The Duke and Duchess of York are spending the w’eek-end in London. Princess Mary arrived from Yorkshire to-night and is remaining at the Palace for a few days to assist the Queen in her engagements. The King, who is housed in a doublewindowed sound-proof room overlooking Constitution Hill, Greenpark, is maintaining excellent spirits. Tlie Duke of York spent half an hour at his bedside this afternoon. A constant stream of cars drove up to the distinguished stranger’s entrance at tlie Palace, while hundreds of humbler folk on foot kept the gate police busy answering inquiries. Officials at the Palace considered the evening bulletin highly satisfactory, and prepared for a quiet night with confidence. Untoward developments are not anticipated. To-night’s callers at the Palace included Princesses Victoria and Louise. The physician’s morning visit to the Palace lasted two hours and a half. To-night’s bulletin was issued after half an hour. MESSAGE FROM GOVERNORGENERAL His Excellency the Governor-General forwarded the following message to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs on Saturday:— “On behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand I wish to express the deep concern witli which the news of the King’s illness has been received and the earnest hope that His Majesty's health will soon be restored. All in this Dominion anxiously await further news, and desire me to convey their loyal sympathy. CHARLES FERGUSSON, Governor-General.”