PRINCE AND BRIDE

Evening Star, Issue 19328, 14 August 1926, Page 21

PRINCE AND BRIDE

THIRTY-SECOND BIRTHDAY HINT Gossip is again busy choosing a bride for the Prince of Wales. Trie arrival in London of the charming Princess Astrid of Sweden has given rise (says the 1 Sunday Chronicle of Juno 13) to many interesting speculations regarding the possibility of the early announcement of a Royal engagement, ’ . , For some time past the Prince s name has been freely associated with that of Princess Astrid. A former visit of hers a few mouths ago,_ which was unrecorded in the Court Circular, was the subject of world-wide rumors. Belief that the Prince does not intend to tarry much longer in choosing a bride is strengthened by the story that he once told some brother officers at moss near Amiens during the war that he did not think any man should marry before ho was thirty-two. The Prince will celebrate his thirtysecond birthday on the 23rd of this month 1 GATHERING OF ROYALTY. Rarely, except on the occasion of Royal weddings and similar functions, has such a gathering of Royalty added brilliance to London’s social season as is expected within the next few weeks. Three kings, two queens, three princes, amd four princesses will be among the distinguished visitors. This fact alone is being construed in some quarters as indicating that a social event of some importance is expected. Prince Gustavos Adolphus and Prince Sigvard, the brothers of Princess Ingrid, arrived with their sister a few days ago. The King and Queen of Serbia, accompanied by Prince and Princess Paul and Princess Helene, are due to arrive next week-end, while the King and Queen of Spain and King Fuad of Egypt are coming a few weeks later. A “BOOK OF BJUDES.” Ever since the announcement in 1913 of his expected engagement to the Grand Duchess Tatiana of Russia, second daughter of the Tsar—a report that was immediately denied—rumor has been busy with the future bride of the Prince of Wales. Ho lias been “ married ” scores of times by the American newspapers, and a report of his engagement appears on an average about once a week in one journal or another. One of the Prince’s most treasured possessions, in fact, which ho only shows to intimate friends, is his ‘ Book of Brides.’ In this ho has padted up ail the cuttings which relate to his “marriage” or indicate with conviction the 'kdy of his choice. Tho cuttings run into several hundreds, and wliile tho majority are American not a few arc British. HIS FAVORITE FOX-TROT.

No event would occasion more widespread joy throughout the Empire than the announcement of tho Prince’s engagement. But there is olsothe feeling that ho is quite right in avoiding a hasty marriage.

It is understood that the Prince has several times declared to friends, that if ever ho does marry it will be for love. Curiously enough, a favorite fox-trot of his at present is ‘lt Must Bo for Love,’ which was played at his special request at a dinner given the other evening by the American Ambassador.

Tho Prince's personal charm and winning smile have made him a. worldwide favorite. As Prince Charming com* true in real life he has won a warm place in millions of hearts not only in the Empire, but in America and the Argentine. Wherever ho is—ashore nr on board — tho Prince always enters fully into the fun of the moment. “FORGIVE ME.”

Even when be was mobbed by thousands of admiring .American women on his tour, bo never lost his imperturbability—or hie smile. He. takes iiio publicity inevitable from his position and personality with great goofi humor. At Valparaiso popular (affection—as typified by one admiring spectator—exceeded the bounds of conventional demonstration, for, as be was entraining. an elderly woman dressed jn black rushed out of the crowd, threw her arms around him, clasped him tight', and exclaimed: “ Forgive me, Prince!” One of the consequences of a Royal wedding would entail alterations in the Prayer Book, with the introduction of the “Princess of Wales.” There arc only four places in tho Book of Common Prayer that call for alteration upon the death, accession, or marriage of Royalty. This is mot by - the substitution of pages—which might possibly cost £IO,OOO. _ All the world is now wondering what lucky girl will bo bis bride. Since the chaotic upheavals of tho war there are very, few. eligible princesses in Europe,