MISS JEAN BATTEN

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 122, 19 November 1937, Page 9

MISS JEAN BATTEN

TALK WITH ROYALTY

KING LEOPOLD'S INTEREST '

(Received November 19, 9.20 a.m.) LONDON, November 18.

King Leopold of Belgium specially requested Miss Jean Batten, the New Zealand flying, \woman, to visit BuckinghamMPalace;this.:evening and giye a persbhal account of her record flights.

Miss Batten had a long audience with King Leopold, who was most interested in New Zealand and complimented her on her achievements.

Before going to the Palace Miss Batten was accorded -fl reception by 500 members of the New Zealand Society. Those present included Mr. W. J. Jordan, High Commissioner for New Zealsnd, and Mrs. Jordan.

Subsequently Miss Batten had a talk with' Queen Elizabeth and King George, and she also met Prinqess Elizabeth. ■•..■■■

Interviewed by fthe Australian Associated Press, she said;—"l was first presented to King Leopold, and found him most charming. I was very impressed by the fact that he knew so much about my flights. He knew even the record times, and showed a wide knowledge of the countries over which I have flown. "He expressed 'the wish that some day I should visit Brussels. I said I hoped the ■ opportunity would arise to do so.

21 was then taken upstairs by the Lady-in-Waiting and •. presented to Queen Elizabeth, with , whom was Princess Elizabeth, The King.came in shortly afterwards. He questioned me closely about the plane and my routes. I was astounded by his technical knowledge of aviation. Their Majesties recalled the "wonderful reception" they received on their visit to New Zea- ,. land.

"It was the first time I had been presented to their Majesties, and I consider it was a great honour to myself and my country."