The Evening Star THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1938. ROYAL SERVICE.

Evening Star, Issue 23099, 27 October 1938, Page 10

The Evening Star THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1938. ROYAL SERVICE.

It is no exaggeration to say that tho appointment of the Duke of Kent us Governor-General of Australia will be regarded with pleasure in all parts of tho Empire! Reports from London suggest that His Royal Highness receiv'd the proposal with enthusiasm, and from Canberra wo arc told that tho Duke's acceptance of tho post caused jubilation in all parts of tho Commonwealth. The motto “ I serve is now adopted by all tho members of the Royal Family. When Queen Victoria married Prince Albert the union was regarded coldly in many quarters in Great Britain, but the result has been to make an enduring bond between tho Throne and the people. King Edward VII. during his comparatively brief reign was conspicuous for his efforts to promote international friendship, and his revered son, George V., set a striking example of unselfish devotion to duty and a desire to promote tho happiness and well-being of his subjects. Each of his sons followed the tradition of service set by his father, and this is reflected in the readiness of the Duke of Kent to accept so responsible a post. Everyone remembers the Royal romance which culminated four years ago in the marriage of Prince George to Princess Marina, daughter of Prince Nicholas of Greece, whose popularity and social graces will be of great help to the new Governor-General in carrying out his duties in Australia. The Duke of Kent is the only one of tho-sons of King George who has not visited these southern dominions. A tour had been proposed for him, hnt circumstances prevented its accomplishment. He was to havo been the Sailor Prince of the Royal Family. Entering tho Navy in 1916, he served a brief term as midshipman, hut had to retire for health ■reasons. The Duke has travelled in South Africa and South America, and at Home has served as Lord High Commissioixer for the Church of Scotland, and is a personal naval aide-de-camp to King George VI. His Royal Highness, therefore, has gained sufficient experience of men and affairs to enable him efficiently to carry out his duties as Governor-General of an important dominion. On the personal side he and his Princess should endear themselves to the warm-hearted people of the Commonwealth. Other members of the Royal Family have served in positions similar to that which is now to be taken up by tho Duke of Kent. The only surviving son of Queen Victoria, the Duke of Connaught, who is 87 years of age, was Governor-Genei’al and Commander-in-Chief of Canada from 1911 to 1916, and left'at the end of his term amid expressions of regret from all classes. Tho Duke of Connaught led an active life of service as soldier arid military administrator, and in 1921 he undertook a mission to India to urge amity and patience among the people. His son, Prince Arthur, who died recently, at the comparatively early age of 54, was Governor-General of South Africa from 1920 to 1924. In. the Great War he was attached to the Headquarters Staff, where his linguistic attainments proved very useful. The ties that bind the Empire to the Throne are strong, and they havo been made firmer by the character and accomplishment of various members of the Royal Family. To-day it is held by many people that a constitutional monarch, holding himself aloof from all party ties and faction, is the best' head for a democratic country. That conviction will remain and bo stx-engthened under a Royal House, as in the case of the House of AVindsor, that places service to the people before a life of ease and pleasure. '