THE NEW KING

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 100, 22 January 1936, Page 10

THE NEW KING

The Prince of Wales, who now ascends the throne as Kin.” Edward VIII, is assured of the heartiest welcome from the British peoples throughout the Empire. To them he is no stranger. He has mingled with them in memorable tours, and championed their aspirations in personal activities and in speeches on his return. Like his distinguished father he has all the qualities of a representative British citizen; a good sportsman, untiring in his devotion to duty, and keenly interested in the social condition of the people. He is “a good mixer. An ingratiating personality inherited from his grandfather, the late King Edward VII, enables him to create an atmosphere of friendliness and goodwill with all classes of people in the Mother Country, the Dominions and the colonies, and in foreign countries.

These attributes, in fact, have made the Prince a valuable Imperial asset. He has been described as the nation's greatest ambassador, a compliment well earned through the success of various important missions—as, for example, his visit to the Argentine—carried out by him in the interests of British economic relationships. On these occasions his personal charm and winning manners have made him tremendously popular, and left behind him pleasant memories and an indelible impression. The future of the Throne will be safe in his hands.

The new King is a bachelor. This is a new and intriguing experience for the British people. Monarchs have died without issue, but few have remained unmarried. There was Queen Elizabeth. King Edward VI was a boy. Other names on the unmarried list are William II (“Rufus”), Hardicanute, Harold, and several of the Saxon Kings of early England. To the almost comical despair of various British circles anxiously concerned about the dynastic aspect of the question, the “Bachelor Prince,” as he had come to be called, has shown no inclination to enter the married state. That the nation would like him to marry goes without saying. No Royal wedding of recent years could be a more popular event. However, no dynastic complications arc involved. What really matters is his qualification for kingship. As to that he has already proved himself by the ability he has displayed in Jhe discharge of his duties and responsibilities as Prince of Wales.