Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27th., 1934. HUMAN ROYALTY.

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 December 1934, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27th., 1934. HUMAN ROYALTY.

ACCEPTANCE of the doctrine that divinity hedgeth around a King is not so general, these clays, as in former centuries, but there is increasing recognition of humanity in Royalty, especially where the House of Windsor is concerned. It was reported from Australia that a partner of the Duke of Gloucester at a dance, expressed surprise at his homely references to “my father, mother and brothers,” to which the Duke is said to have replied, “After all, we are human.” It is this development of the human touch that is partly responsible for the affection in which King George and his family are increasingly held, and explains why in these days when so many countries have gone republic, Britain and the Empire are more loyal than ever. The last day or two has supplied further evidence of this “humanity” of the British Royal House. The King’s broadcast speech to his wide-spread Empire was a truly man-to-man talk, such as any kindly-hearted commoner may have given, to his family, or friends, there, being a complete absence of the “official” touch or of patronage. The right word was said in the right manner, and the thousands of the King’s subjects, who listened in. must have had their feelings of loyalty strengthened by realisation that it was a fellow-man as well as their King who was sending them Christmas greetings. The concluding part of the message. Avas tinged with ; humility, but His Majesty need : have no qualms about his fitness for the responsible position as head of ] the British Empire family. No ‘ other could fill the post more ; honourably, and posterity will estimate both the reign and the mon- < arch as among the most eventful in Ihe Empire’s history. King i George’s own faith in the King of Kings, may well be shared by all I his subjects, and all will trust that j he will be spared for many years yet to 1 ’preside over the Empire’s « destinies, and that his Jubilee next s year, will be enjoyed by him to the full.

Another aspect of the humanity of Royalty was displayed at Auckland, and, if of a less happy character. had its significance. It is stated that the Duke of Gloucester, despite the installation of a superset of wireless, failed to get satisfactory reception, missing most of his father’s speech. No eminence of rank can overcome climatic vagaries, and the Duke had to share the disappointment that must have been general to Auckland listenersin. The Duke, too, cut his foot whilst surf-bathing, a mishap that has happened to many. There was a touch of irony in the mishap to t he Duke, seeing the comprehensive efforts made in New Zealand to prevent any harm occurring to the distinguished visitor. Fortunately, the foot-injury was slight, but those fond of moralising'may find scope in the Auckland incidents. | Such troubles emphasise that Roy-| alty and commoners are kin, audi realisation of this fact by both sides' must be mutually advantageous, j