PRINCESS ELIZABETH

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 119, 22 May 1931, Page 15

PRINCESS ELIZABETH

HER FIFTH BIRTHDAY

(From "Tho Post's" Representative.) LONDONj 23rd April.

Two school papers, written about 150 years ago by a former Princess Elizabeth, daughter of "George the Third, and her brother, Frederick, were among the gifts which Princess Elizabeth received at Windsor Castle on 21st April, her fifth birthday.

"These historic documents, with the consent of the Duchess of York, were presented by Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Barnard, of Cambridge. They came into the possession of Mr. Barnard as tho result of a broadcast appeal for old documents and papers which might otherwise be destroyed. The two documents came originally from Windsor Castle, and are, after a lapse of a century and a half, being returned to their place of origin. Tho specimens are written, presumably with quill pens, on hand-made paper, and are typical copybook quotations. That of the young Princess Elizabeth reads: Fortune takes away nothing but what she gave. But she gives not virtue. Therefore, virtue is a good which she cannot make away. A childish error is noticeable in the wording where the word "make" is used instead .of "take." This was written in 1783. Tho work of her brother, then Duke of York and-Albany, is signed, "Frcdk., 12th April, 1771." It reads: True honour is tho bright sun which warms and nourishes noble souls to noble actions. It elevates our thoughts, dignifies our' lives, and points every deed towards heaven, tho place of its birth. Tho two sheets, together with an engraving of tho Princess, arc mounted in an album enclosed in a vellum portfolio. HOW THE DAY WAS SPENT. ' It is-recorded'from Windsor that ono of tho ■ gifts which .much pleased the little Princess was a large-terrestrial globe, one of the presents' from tho King and. Queen. Immediately she asked: "Where are Uncle David and Uncle George now?" The Duchess of York showed her the route. The correspondent of'tho "Daily-Tele-graph" at Windsor states that the little Princess was awake very early in the morning, but was not allowed to have any presents until. after breakfast. The parcels awaited her in the. Oak Room, but she went with the Duke and Duchess of York to the apartments of tho King and Queen to receive her grandparents' gifts. Shortly before eleven tho Princess, with Princoss Margaret Rose, in her perambulator, attended by two nurses, went into the Grand Quadrangle to see the changing of the guard. Spectators who were outside the gates wished her "many happy returns of tho day," and she waved to them in reply. When tho Guard _entered tho quadrangle, Princoss Elizabeth saluted them gravely, but when the Irish Guards' pipers struck up lively airs she danced with glee, and started to march round with them. Tho Shetland pony which was the King's birthday gift last yca,r was sent for from the Royal Mows, and the Duchess of York took tho Princoss for a ride in tho Froginore grounds. A TIBED LITTLE PRINCESS. In the afternoon sho went for a drive in an open carriage, and returned to the Castlo for her tea party, which was held in tho oak dining-room. The arrangements wore superintended by the Queen and tho Duchess of York, and Princess Elizabeth was given the seat of honour. The party was quito private, and was attended only by members of the Royal family and a few specially-invited guests. Tho iced birthday cake, round which were fivo lighted candles, was cut and handeel round with duo ceremony. It was a tired little Princess that retired to bed after her round of festivities. .