BACHELOR PRINCES.

Dunstan Times, Issue 3133, 4 September 1922, Page 7

BACHELOR PRINCES.

Though there arte 1 exceptions, Princes rarely prolong their bachelorhood beyond their "twenties," says a contributor to the Daily Chronicle. In the course of nature it is obvious that within the next few years: the Royal House of Windsor will celebrate several weddings. The Prince of Wales is' 28; the Duke of York will be 27 next December; Prince Henry is 22, and 1 Prince George, the baby of the family, attains 20 at the end of the year. By an interesting coincidence, just 60 years ago, in 1862, there were also four Princes, sons of the Sovereign, who were unmarried. With one exception, however, they were younger than any of King George's sons. At that time the Prince of Wales, afterwards King Edward, was in hi<s 21st year, and was to be married in the following March to the "Seat King's daughter from over the sea," the beloved Queen Mother, who to- this day takes a lively and active interest in the national affaire. Queen Victoria's other sons were a good deal younger. Prince Alfred, who became Duke of Edinburgh, did not marry until 1874, when he was close 1 on 30. His bride was the only daughter of the ill-fated Alexander 11., Emperor of Russia. The Duke afterwards became Duke of Saxe Coburg and Gotha, and: was lost to England. Prince Arthur,, the popiilar Duke of Connaught, still happily vigorous, was then only 12 y-eans of age. He married when he was 29 the daughter of a Prussian Prince. Prince Leopold, the youngest of Victoria's sons, was a delicate youth. He afeo married' at the age of 29, and died within two yeans. Hie posthumoiis 'son, by a. daughter of the Prince of Waldeek and Pyrmout. succeeded his uncle as Duke of Saxe Coburg. Curiosity as to the choice of brides which King George's sons'will make is of course widespread in all classes of society, particularly among women. ! is a. never-failing topic of discussion at every tea-table in Great Britain. Without repeating any of the gossip which is retailed it is permissible to say this much. There was a time when Royal marriages were made in the Foreign Office lather than in Heaven. That time is past. Dynastic considerations will play no part in future alliances. Almost for the first time in our history we may be sure that the marriages of those near the Throne will, as in the case of humbler folk, be contracted solely on the ground of mutual affection. That being *c>. it is extremely unlikely that history will repeat itself and' that our four unmarried Princes will marry four Princesses of foreign Royal Houses. The marriage of a Prince of Wales always takes plac'e in this country, howeverVxalted his bride may be. Other Princes who have married the daughters of reigning Sovereigns have generally gone abroad for the wedding.