“LOVE KNOWS NO BARRIERS”

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 207, 29 May 1936, Page 11

“LOVE KNOWS NO BARRIERS”

Iraq Princess Marries Greek Porter (Received May 28, 9.40 p.m.) Athens, May 28. A sensation was caused by the elopement and secret marriage of Princess Assa, eldest sister of the King of Iraq, to a hotel porter. Desperate efforts by the family to annul the marriage were unsuccessful. The princess, who is 30 years of age, arrived at Athens a fortnight ago with her sister, Rajihah. She was secretly baptised under the rites of 'he Greek Orthodox Church in the name Anastas sia, and then disappeared from her hotel, the porter, Anastassios Charalambi, aged 25, vanishing at the same time. When the marriage was revealed Rajihah called in the police, but they wore powerless. Princess Assa declared: “I will not have anything to do with my relatives I love my husband.” The romance began at Rhodes two years ago. Princess Assa, in a statement, said ■ “Though there is a great difference in our social positions, love knows no barriers. Neither poverty nor force will separate tne from my beloved. I am converted to Christianity, and am now dead so far as my family is concerned.” The princess exercised her royal prerogative and proposed marriage. Tlie couple are going to England in the course of their honeymoon.