ROYAL AMBASSADOR

Evening Star, Issue 21992, 30 March 1935, Page 15

ROYAL AMBASSADOR

VALUE OF DUKE OF GLOUCESTER'S TOUR Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, March 29. In most of- the London newspapers editorials are devoted to the Duke of Gloucester’s return, expressing appreciation of the warmth of the welcome everywhere accorded him and stressing the value of such visits in promoting Empire unity. The ‘Morning Post’ suggests that'it is, not the Statute of Westminster, but the monarchy which is the cement holding the edifice of the British Commonwealth .together. It,states; “ The Duke of Gloucester’s mission fully accredits him to our brilliant corps of royal ambassadors.” ;

RECEPTION AT THE GUILDHALL

(British Official Wireless.)

RUGBY, March 29. (Received March 30, at 1 p.m.) At the Guildhall luncheon, in honour of the Duke of Gloucester, the distinguished guests included the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Prime Minister, and members of the Cabinet. The City’s address of welcome referred to the service done by the tour in strengthening the ties which bind together the peoples of the Empire in their loyalty and devotion to the Throne and to the perspn of the King. In reply, the Duke said that in every part of the Empire he visited he received the same enthusiastic demonstration of loyalty as greeted the King and Queen, the Prince of Wales, and the Duke and Duchess of York on similar tours.

Proposing the Duke’s health, the Prime Minister said: “ The sincere interest His Highness took in the daily lot of all he met'showed a Royal quality of instinctive human understanding and sympathy, which generates the truest loyalty among the King’s subjects. This personal touch, by its immediate effect and memories of it left behind and borne away, exerts a powerful grip on the heart of the Commonwealth and enables it to develop as a new and noble type of world Empire.’’ The Duke, in reply to the toast, said that he regarded it as a great fortune that he had been given the opportunity of seeing so much of the Empire and its people.. He urged his fellow-country-men to travel themselves and see the Empire. The pageantry was enhanced by the presence of the Life Guards’ trumpeters and the Royal Artillery band. The lofty interior presented an impressive spectacle with its bannered walls, emblazoned windows, historic groups of sculpture, and unequalled display _of gold and silver plate. Two whitecapped and white-jacketed cooks carved the beef on elevated platforms. The Prime Minister, toasting the Duke, adapted 'Drayton’s lines: “ Gloucester, that duke so good, next of the Royal blood for famous England stood with his brave brothers.” The Duke, replying, praised Australian and New Zealand loyalty and kindliness, and thanked the Governments through Mr Lyons and Sir James Parr.