H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 53, 11 September 1928, Page 5

H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES

THE STORY OF HIS LIFE EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR THE NAVY By Walter and Leonard Towns end; edited by Evelyn Graham. Read and approved by Sir Godfrey Thomas, X.C.V.0., principal secretary to His Royal Highness.

(All Eights Reserved.)

CHAPTER 111.

With tho death of Queen Victoria I tho young Prince David quickly transferred his adoring affection to his grandmother, Queen Alexandra, and she, if anything consciously or unconsciously, followed in tho footsteps of her mother by spending more hours than she- could perhaps spare with her eldest grandchild. "Grandma said I could do it," became a favourite excuse proferred by "David" to his mother when she was caught doing something which had brought down reproof on his head, and on "his mother asking Queen Aloxandra, 'Did you say 'David' could dv so-and-so," tho Queen ■would smilingly and perhaps a little sheepishly reply that slio had given tho necessary permission, thus saving her favourito grandchild from a scolding. Tho young Prince treasured tho moments spent with his grandmother as much as those happy hours ho had used to spend at Buckingham Palace- with tho Great Queen. On ono occasion Queen Aloxandra, ■while- at Sandringhain, was taking the little Priuco Edward out for a drive in her landau, when suddenly ho jumped up and pointed to a collection of school children who wero holding a.v impromptu cricket match. "Grandma, look," ho cried, "may I go and play too?" But '' Grandma shook her head negatively, and so tho littlo Prince had to continue vis drive with many wistful glances backward. On the return journey the Queen stopped her carriage to call and seen one of the villagers in whom she had taken an interest for many years. The littjo Prince she left in the carriage in chargo of tho attendant footman. When Her Majesty emerged from the cottago some quarter of an hour later it was to find the littlo Prince missing, and after glancing round she saw a very distressed footman expostulating with Prince Edward, who was trying | to induce the small cricket team that j had previously inspired his interest to ■ allow him to join the game. They, how- ! over, knowing his quality, stood back, rather frightened and respectfully. Smiling slightly, Queen Alexandra relieved the unhappy footman of his mischievous charge, and earned "David" back much abashed to the carriage. The drive home was a silent one, and was only boken by a whispered request from the littlo Prince: "Please grandma, don't tell mamma!" . ! Although the young Prince enjoyed himself to tho full in his boyhood., spending his timo between Frogmore (near Windsor), York Cottage, Sandringham, and Marlborough House, London, there were times, without doubt, in even those care-free days, when he felt the irksome pressure of sterner duties, which were soon to cut short his boyhood days, ono early occasion, when standing beside his father, who was reviewing troops, sheer physical fatigue niado him drop his little arm from the salute, but a look from his father brought his hand quickly back to his forehead. But even though from - the I timo he first was given into the care of his tutor, Mr. Hansell, he was being prepared for a wider life than could be obtained within the shelter of the Royal res&Jmes, tho boy Prince enjoyed to the full every hour of his existence, and since tho possession of his first cricket bat and tennis racquet ho has iiiwn'-s been devoted to every kind of sport. LOVE FOB GAMES. Queen Mary is responsible for his lovo of tennis—a game at which ho is extraordinarily proficient, but which of lato years has been somewhat neglected in favour of golf, hunting, and point-to-point racing. The Duchess of York (now Queen Mary) was passionately fond of tho game, and had special courts laid on which tho Royal children practised. It must bo admited that in these days "David" put more forco into his play than skill, as his father learnt ono day to his cost, when a tennis ball came through tho window of his study at York Cottage, and played havoc on his writing table. When the Duke- went in search of tho offender ho was nowhero to be found. His sister Mary was at that timo much more proficient at the game, and to-day owes her skill to the coaching of Mrs. Lambert Chambers. The new Princo of Wales was always the leading spirit in the games of tho Royal children. Cycling particularly was a favourite pastime of his, and ho submitted his "Budge" to the most strenuous tests. Many were tho races he arranged, of course, not exactly with his mother's consent —or knowledge at times! There were "The Ascot Cycle Stakes" for instance, held during an early Ascot week to colebrato perhaps his first bet at Ascot, which was calculated to disturb tho peaco of mind of any mother. During this particular' raco the fresh-eomplcxioned young Princo pedalled' like fury to make up tho start which, chivalrously, ho. had allowed his sister Mary; but for once, like his fancied horse, he, too, was an "also ran." Indeed, though tho eldest, the Princo did not, of course, always "eoino in first' in the races ho planned, and it is interesting to note that in youthful athletic attainments Princess Mary proved more of a rival than his brother Albert. A favourite pastime of the Eoyal children at Sandringham was to play i'ollow-my-leader on their bicycles— pedalling in and out of the flower beds. ''David" invariably led, with Princess Mary close behind, and Prince Albert in the rear. Owing to the fact that the floy or beds usually suffered during tho playing of this thrilling game, since "spills" wero common, and tho levelling to the ground of carefully-tended flowers by the weight of the rider and bicycle, no matter how Koyal, did not add to their beauty—it was only when parents and governesses were out of tho way that the "happy trio" could indulge in this most favourite of sports. The Prince Edward was always ready to admit his sister's superiority in many ways. He had a wholesome admiration for her cleverness, both in lessons and sports, over his possibly more brilliant and impetuous, though sometimes less well-thought-out achievements. The littlo Prince, however, had even then a characteristic which, as you read this life story will again and again be evidenced throughout his life. It has always been with 'him what may be called to uso his own favourite expression, "neck or nothing." This was especially obvious iv tho various escapades connected with his boyhood. Tho story is told of an adventure which very well illustrates this characteristic trait of His Eoyal Highness. During an official visit to Bangor University, by "David's" strategy, the young Prince and his sister Mary escaped from the Royal party just as the climax of interest was reached in tho Koyal speechmaking, to explore a nearby tower

which had caught their interest. Little Princess Mary, however, began to grow timid as they neared tho top, for she | was beginning to realise tho enormity of their offence in breaking away from the ceremony, for she had a wholesome respsct for parental authority. Herelder brother also respected authority, but his love of adventure got the better of him on this occasion, and he assured his companion that, having gone so far, they might as well "be hanged for a sheep as a lamb." Reaching the top of the tower they looked down on tho brilliant assemblage below. Unhappily, tho crowd spotted them, and the enthusiastic pointing upward caused the Koyal party to glance at the top of the tower, and before- "David" and Mary could hide they were spotted. A few minuets later an equerry fetched them to "face the music" before their parents! ATMOSPHERE OF SIMPLICITY. Parental chastisement, however, was never administered merely because of tho breaking of ,'soinc point of Koyal etiquette, for the Duke and Duchess of York brought up their family in an atmosphere of remarkable simplicity, observing all that was best and most •suitable in the traditions of English family life. "David" was expected to conduct himself the same as would the fiou of any well-bred family, and so was not debarred from participation in

games, sports, and adventures which would have appeared at some Continental Courts to bo "too democratic." Prom his earliest days he and his brother Albert fished, climbed, played "one-wicket cricket," and took swimming lessons like all other healthy youngsters. So far the Prince's education had been entrusted to Madame Bricka, the governess-companion of his own mother, the late Mr. H. G. Hua, French tutor (of Eton), and Mr. Cecil J. Sharp, tho famous expert in folk lore, song, and dancing, who ably undertook his social education, and assisted as a coach in games. (It is interesting to know that in 1928 the "Cecil Sharp" Fund was inaugurated to provide a national headquarters for the folk music, country dances, and other traditional arts of the English people.) "David" was only allowed one servant, Mr. Frederick Finch, who acted as a valet, and who, later became His Eoyal Highness's batman in France during the Great War. To-day Mr. Finch is steward of York House, tho Prince of Wales's London residence. King George has been given too little credit for the part he played in forming the character of tho Prince of Wales. He paid the closest attention to the way in which his eldest son acquitted himself in this elementary schooling, but did not use- the lever of reminding tho young boy of his position to enforce a strict attention to his lessons. In this respect the primary education of the Princo was unique. Both Queen Victoria and her Consort, Priuco Albert, had from their earliest days been brought up on tho assumption, and Trith constant reminders, that they would probably bo future rulers, and consequently in tho ordinary sense of the word, never enjoyed a natural youth. Little news of the great outside world entered the happy life which the Prince and his sister and brothers were enjoying until the news came round the "nursery" that King Edward, their grandfather, was to be crowned King of England. The governess had already instructed her Koyal charges in the elements of the British Constitution, but when the actual Coronation ceremony drew near, tho children wore all excitement, just as any children might be if their own father was to be made the Mayor of their native town. Princo Edward was at this time "cautioned as to his important future position, and his remarks, shortly afterwards, to Princess Mary, as he surveyed the mechanical railway, out of which he had extracted many interesting and happy hours at Marlborough House, were somewhat lugubrious; in fact, he wasn't a "bit thrilled" at the increased honour that would bo done to him. It seemed as though, for the first time, "David" was realising already the barrier which the State was merging faintly between himself and his younger brother, Albert. Princess Mary, as the only Princess in the family, herself held a unique position, and this tie drew tho brother and sisttr even closer togethev. In tho midst of excited prcpartions for tho Coronation, King Edward fell seriously ill, and, for a while, a shadow east its gloom upon the children. Prince Edward was only very young, and on being taken to see the King during his convalescence at Marlborough House, could not understand in his childish way, where tho baby was! Evidently he was confusing a recent event at White Lodgn with his grandfather's present illness. "David" was'jubilant when ho was told that the Ki-ng" was quito well again. He had a wholesome admiration for his illustrious grandfather—'' Grandfather

Marlborough," as he called him, bci:uuse bis earliest memories of tho King then Prince of Wales—were gained at Marlborough House. BROTHER AND SISTER. At seven years of ago, it is almost impossible to prophesy hov^ a boy will "turn out." "David" had many endearing ways, which (imc would doubtless crystallise into qualities, but at the present not all of them were calculated to give poaco of mind to his parents. He was affectionate and mischievous— as are all healthy boys—and often pretended a fine scorn for tho girlish Mary. But the Princess detected this boyish pose, and it secretly amused her. She would do anything for her brother, from darning surreptitiously a hole in his stocking made by climbing to mending his broken fishing net—a job he did not relish himself. "David" and his sister were occasionally present together at public functions, though their parents did not believo in young people, whatever their position, taking part in public ceremonies. Only when State etiquette necessarily demanded wero they present. Though they realised the gravity needed on such occasions, the Prince and his sister would often pass whispered remarks to relieve the tedium of their ordeal. What they whispered is known only to themselves, but, judging from their occasional smiles, must have been youthful pleasantries. The high-spirited young pair often found humour in the driest of proceedings, but Princess Mary restrained her vivacious brother on more than one occasion when his high .spirits mastered his caution, as when he hid the helmet of an equerry about to escort tho Dul;o and Dueliess of York to a public affair. The Duke and Duchess were already seated in tho carriage before the unfortunate official discovered his loss, and the Royal carriage was kept waiting while he sought high and low for his helmet. It was Princess Mary who detected a wicked twinkle in her brother's eye, and succeeded in getting him to divulge where he had hidden the missing hat. Then she herself retrieved it, and gave it to the worried equerry. Self-discipline in his habits formed the foundation of the young Prince's healthy life. Ho rose not later than 7 o'clock, and underwent a series of exercises in the open air under the supervision of Mr. Sharp. When weather did not permit, these physical jerks (which tho Prince still carries out to this day) were performed indoors. 'Breakfast was taken with his brother Albert, and occasionally with his mother. At periodical times "David" dined with his parents, or with King Edward and Queen Alexandra. It was necessary that he should learn to conduct himself on'formal occasions in a manner which befitted his position, and there was always the chance that, in the comparative freedom of tho nursery, his high spirits would in future prove stubborn enemies to discipline and future public life, if left unchecked. With the death of Queen Victoria the old regime of Royalty had gone. The present King (Edward VII.) was already making his own personality felt, apart from his policies, in a democratic manner unknown during the past 300 years. This "new Royalty"—as it may be respectfully called—which was being ushered in unobtrusively, but none tho less surely, was being reflected in the upbringing of young Prince Edward of Wales. No longer did the nursery governess or the Royal staff walk in awe of a Princo Rpyal. If any little mistakes were committed he was reproved, and it was a happy augury of his future that he took his chastisement seriously and with good grace. BEGINNING OF EDUCATION. The Coronation of King Edward and Queen Alexandra on 9th August, 1902, marked a new stage in tho Prince s life. As tho Prince of Wales's eldest son he was a more important personago than he had been as tho great-grand-ehiia of tho Queen, and his governess now retired in favour of a tutor. The appointment of a male tutor for the young Prince was not made without the greatest deliberation and anxiety. The question of a public school life for tho young boy had already been suggested, but. dismissed by King George on the ground that contact with other boys might give him a wrong idea of values, for which he would be brought face to face, at this immature stage of his life, with varying degrees of flattery and obeisance. Then, again, there was a temptation to engage a tutor of the type of' Baron Stockmar, tho confidential adviser of Queen Victoria, and mentor of Princo Albert Consort. By such an appointment, "David's" parents would have been spared a great deal of worry, anxiety, and work, for Baron Stoekmar represented the best type of "king maker," and had undoubtedly done his duty by his Koyal charges. But the new Prince of Wales had his doubts of the efficacy of bringing up his son "to be a King" on the lines laid down by the thorough Queen Victoria. It was a courageous step to break away from tradition, and appoint Mr. H. P. Hansell, who had tutored Prince Arthur of Connaught, and was a former master of Kossall and Ludgrove, New Barnet, as the Prince's tutor. Mr. Hausell was given few orders as to tho way in which he was to educate the young Prince, except that, in view of the boy's possible career in the Navy, he should be prepared for the entrance examination to Osborne Naval College. The tutor first concentrated on grounding the Prince thoroughly in mathematics and languages with the help of M. Hua, who found that the willingness and thoroughness with which the young scholar attacked his lessons —though ho was by no means brilliant—might develop a biassed affection for book-learning, which was far from desirable in the young Prince. After earnest deliberation, and receiving the approval of his parents, Mr. Hansell commenced his task of moulding the Prince's elastic mind into the channels which ho decided would best servo him in his future life. Naturally the young Prince received his middle-aged tutor somewhat shyly, for his almost unbridled high spirits— a side of his nature which his brothers and sister knew well —could not now be given the same scope. Then, too, he was not yet quick at making friends, and his tutor was to tako, from now onwards, a more intimate place iv his life than even members of his own family. Again, probably ho felt it rather irksome to have to submit to lessons of a less congenial nature than hitherto, when geography, for instance, had been learned with clay modelling and picture postcirds. ' Mr. Hansell might well have made his first task the ingratiating of himself into the young Prince's favour. Instead, discipline was the first lesson -Mr. Hansell taught his Royal charge, and the Princo afterwards "frankly confessed that ho owed his tutor a debt which could not be repaid in more thanks. It is not pleasant to think of tho results on his Royal Highness had his tutor been a sycophant or a flatterer. Perhaps the Prince's common-sense and innato dislike of this typo of person would have withstood tho influence of such contact, but there is no doubt that had his tutor been unduly harsh, much of the Prince's charm which endears him to everyone would have been destroyed at its foundation in boyhood. Mr. Hansell had nomo truly difficult problems with which to contend. He was torn between tho temptation to make of his charge a model Prince, steeped in medieval chivalry and royal tradition, or an ordinary, unassuming, healthy young man. There was always tho danger that if he compromised the Prince's education would fall between theso two schools, and there would result a young man without any of the individuality so necessary to a future

ruler of nicn. Inspired is tbc only word that cau adequately describe* Mr. Hansell's method of training the young Prince. Without drawing a fine lino of demarcation between Edward and Albert, whom lie was also preparing for Osbornc, lie managed with inlinito tact find resource to keep in mind tho relative positions which these two brothers would ultimately fill. . The Prince's love of sport was over to the fo'i-e, and there was little danger of his developing into a bookish young man through Mr. Hauscll's tutelage. Indeed, Mr. Hanscll would not have allowed his chargo to have developed a studious nature—that woulld havo been illfitting for a future Empire ruler It was an innovation that demanded tho young Prince should enter for his examinations in the same manner as ordinary cadets and take the same chances of failure or success. -What would have happened had "David" failed in his first examination I cannot tell. I can well believe he would havo returned to his lessons, sobfir and chastened with defeat, • and with the renewed and thorough help of his tutor learned "a little bit more." Seven years later, the late Lord Kitchener told him he would have "to learn a little more about soldiering" if ho wished to cross the Channel to the front, and the Prince did not then waste time in regrets at this refusal to enter tho firing line. NAVAL TRAINING. Prince Edward entered Osbornc Naval College, having passed his entrance examination with flying colours. The new experience of being able tc> rub shoulders and exchange opinions with other, boys of his own age made :x deep impression upon the young Prince. No longer was ho "David," but "Edward of Wales."- His previous high spirits were somewhat sobered. Ho might bo a very important person in liis sister's (Mary's) eyes, and when enjoying games with his brothers at Fr'ogmore; but hero were boys who might, bo able to "whack" him both at lessons and sports. It was only natural that to hide the effcet upon his sen; sitivo miud of the new impressions ho was receiving that ho should don the mantle of shyness. He had a horror of being ridiculed, and was now keenly appreciative that his position differed in every respect from his companions —even in some degree from his brother I Albert, who accompanied him. In a. boy of less healthy temperament the plunging into the rough-and-ready life would have induced the development of a haughty, arrogant, and perhaps sulky disposition.. In Prince Edward, however, thero was only shyness—shyness and a fear of not being ablo to "keep up his end." It was a point of honour in the college that Prince Edward's position and dignity should not give him auy precedence over his colleagues; it was a point which was carried out to the last letter. When meals were served during the "break" the Princo had to scramble for hia rations if he were to get any. Hungry boys could not stand on ceremony, whether tho future King of England had his dinner or not. David was mado to leap from his bunk shortly after half-past six every morning to talco his swim. This -was not perhaps such a hardship, since he was always fond of swimming and had always been an early riser. Throughout his stay at Osborne the Prince was referred to as "Edward of Wales," and his personal property was labelled "E. of W.," while he was referred to by his colleagues in this abbreviated way. The Prince did not lack spirit despite his apparent shyness. On one occasion during a conversation. Prince Edward referred to "My grandfather, ! tho King," and because it was considered a violation of the point of honour connected with the Priuco's presenco at the school one boy took exception to tho reference. High words followj ed, and the Prince, losing his temper for once, invited his opponent to fight. Tho cadet Princo put up a very good show indeed, however.. The fight took place in the dormitory in which the Prince slept, and a place was quickly cleared where the combatants would have perfect freedom. The fight lasted nearly half an hour, and it is difficult to say who would have eventually taken tho "count" because the officer on duty, hearing of the affair, promptly put a stop to it. At once, however, tho Prince went over to his opponent and tho pair shook hands in sportiiig fashion, and to clinch the restoring of good feeling between tho two "Edward of Wales'' opened a new tuck box ho had that day received from his Royal mother and shared it with the fellow cadet who so recently had given him a beautiful black eye— which he carried for some days as a memento of the occasion. Tho course of instruction which tho Princo received during his two years at Osborne Naval Colloge was both thorough and complete. Ho received training in the various.workshops until finally he was passed out as '"Cadet Edward of Wales." During his stay at Osborne he was chosen to play a small part in the affairs of State, but the ordeal was not a heavy one, and ho carried it off happily. ■ A ROYAL GUIDE. It was July, 1909, when King Edward and Queen Alexandra were the host and hostess of their nephew and niece, the Emperor and Empress of Russia, and the Imperial children. The Tsar wished' to see something of our Navy, and expressed a desire to inspect the woi'kshops of the Royal Naval College. Upon Prince Edward devolved the ■ duty of showing round the Imperial guest. He was so explicit and polite that King Edward was openly amused. When the Prince had shown the Tsar over tho workshops, dormitories, and other buildings where aro "made" the officers of the senior service ho led the

Imperial visitor outside tho gates of tho college, and, managing to get him away from his entourage, led him to tho "tuckshop" patronisod by the cadets when in funds. Horo the Tsar was introduced, to all the particular friends of "Edward of Wales," who had' been carefully instructed beforehand to bo there, as tho cadet Prince shrewdly surmised that "His Imperial kinsman would most certainly 'stand treat."' In this he was not disappointed, and an tour later some half a dozen cadets, including "Edward of Wales," strolled back to the college with satisfied grins on their faces—-while tho Tsar returned to the Tsarina 'complaining bitterly of. indigestion! The Prince did not go out of his way to make friends as did his grandfather, though he shared King Edward's democratic taste in preferring the man before the title. During his stay at Osborne the Prince made friends from among tho number who took lessons and enjoyed the Spartan sports with him. Of these friends it is said that tho Prince chose them not because of their particular outstanding brilliance j but because ho liked them for their J modest outlook upon life. At this early age the Prince showed his dislike of anything that appertained to "swank;" His father once wished to make some modest presents to his son's iutimato friend, as any father might have wished to do. "B. of W." vetoed tho idea. "Don't do that," protested tho young Prince, "the other fellows never give each other presents and they'll think it such awful side!" His father smilingly realised the point, and gave way to the youthfully implied reproof. In 1909 it was decided that the Princo should continue his training at Dartmouth. Perhaps his colleagues have attached more importance to his position than the elevon-year-old lads at Osborno had done. The Prince soon became a popular figure in tho naval school; his progress in his nautical studies was more rapid, and he soon became one of the most advanced pupils in the centre. The Prince also found more time in which to indulge in his love of sport than he had had at Osborne, and, being two years older, was now competent to take part in certain pastimes which had hitherto been denied him. He became Whip of the Beagles, and made a local fame for himself as a cross-country runner. During a few days' vacation j he shot his first partridge on Wolfer- j ton Marshes, near Sandringham. The bird was stuffed by Mr. Clark, the taxidermist, and then the Prince presented it to the King's head gamekeeper, Mr. Jackson. But the Prince did not take very kindly to "killing" sports, and has never found in shooting the fascination which King Edward enjoyed. One of the secrets of the Prince's thoroughness lies in the fact that he mixes discrimiuately pleasure and duty. Ho is a firm believer in the idea that, in order to do the best in one direction, the other must have a full share of consideration. Truly a wise policy! Prince Edward's naval training, valuable though it proved, was of lesser importance compared with the benefits ho received from mixing freely with other young men. The Prince was not slow to study the different types of fellows with whom he came into contact. There were arrogant sons of wealthy aristocrats who would have fastened themselves on to him. But Edward had little to do with these. Indeed, he had wisdom and aptitudo beyond his years, and preferred the soberminded, generous-spirited young men who would, when instruction hours were over, join him in a cross-country run (which ho likes nowadays when public duties will allow), or talk shop during leisurely walks. He never did care for tho "worldly man-about-town" type. The Prince, of course, was at Dartmouth at the time of his grandfather's untimely end. He relinquished his studies for a time to pay his last respects j to the late King, of whom he cherished so many happy memories from childhood days. In his uniform of a naval cadet the young Prince, with his brother Albert, followed the cofHn on foot. Tho next instalment will be publishod on Thursday.