REMARKABLE STORY.

Evening Star, Issue 18716, 19 August 1924, Page 6

REMARKABLE STORY.

The known democratic sympathies of the Prince and the fact that so far ho has not sought a bride have given rise to a curious story which is heard everywhere here. It is that tho Prince does not wish to become King, preferring the greater freedom and independence enjoyed by those who are not kings, and that he has urged that his brother, the Duke of York, should be regarded as the heir to the Throne. This .story has been given some color by the fact that tho Duke and Duchess of York this year have been as much in the public eye as tho Prince, and are constantly seen at State functions with the King ami Queen. The story is much discussed here, and is mentioned only for that reason, but should not bo given credence. 'Die■extraordinary personal popularity of the Princo makes it in tho highest degree desirable flint he should be the next King, not only that the stability of the Throne may continue, hut for the sake of the unity of the Empire, of which the Throne is the symbol. To-day. in a. world of tottering throne? ami aggressive republicanism —to say nothing ot Socialism and Communism. and similar modern growths—one hears not a. single voice raised against tho kindly, well-beloved King of England. To “day the British Court is a blaze of glory—literally to-day, for this afternoon their Majesties are entertaining thousands of oversea visitors in tho grounds of Buckingham Palace—and the Labor Government looks complacently on. There is no doubt that, if the Prince succeeds, tho personal popularity of the monarch will continue to protect the monarchy, during his lifetime at least. Ho is as _ popular in the outer dominions n.s he is with these ardent, simple-minded lyondoncrs. Nono of his'brothers appear to make the same appeal to the masses. W 1 DESPREAD POPULARITY'.

Tho Prince’s popularity is universal. Apart altogether from tho fact of his Royal blood, there is no guest more sought after by Mayfair hostesses. Down in tho Potteries the oilier day, where ho was on an official, tour, the factory girls made a most embarrassing demonstration. He is beloved of that most cynical of all classes of men—the Press photographers. Press photographers know that theiroeaeeless attentions irritate notable people, and they arc always grimly ready foi the woist. For that very " reason, probably, the Prince, with that peculiar insight of his, is alwavs courteous to the photographers, and will help them. “ Let’s have tho Prince’s smile, sir,” they will say—and the smile is promptly forthcoming.