ROYAL TRIP TO N.Z.

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22582, 10 March 1948, Page 5

ROYAL TRIP TO N.Z.

PANAMA ROUTE PRINCESS THRILLED “GROOMING-UP" BEGUN (N.Z.P.A.—Reuter— Copyright.) (10 a:m.) LONDON, March 9. It is learned at Buckingham Palace that the outward voyage of the King, Queen and Princess Margaret to New Zealand and Australia will be via the Panama Canal. The Suez Canal will not be used for the Royal voyagesThe announcement that the outward voyage will be via the Panama Canal rules out speculation that the Royal Party will visit India and Pakistan, says Reuter. The route chosen is taken to mean that they will first visit New Zealand. Buckingham Palace officials denied American reports that Malaya _ and Ceylon as well as India and Pakistan might be visited during the tour. It is pointed out that so casual a visit would not in any case be maue to two great new Dominions. A. visit would be paid only at the express invitation of the Dominions and after careful preparation. Princess Margaret is thrilled at the thought of accompanying Their Mniesties to New Zealand and Australia. _ . The family is ‘‘grooming’ Princess Elizabeth's younger and livelier sister for a more intense public life. Princess Margaret, who is 18 in August, is sft. 2in. in height, slimmer and darker-haired than Princess Elizabeth whom she has missed greatly since the Royal wedding. Fashion designers, with an eye to the dollar markets, have been building her name to become synonymous with all that is best in British fashion. She often sketches designs herself. Her favourite composer is Bpcthoven. She has the modern love of jazz and is an excellent dancer. . Princess Margaret attends private donees ot o London hotel, but still is not allowed to visit night clubs. Princess Elizabeth taught her to drive a car last summer, but she lost some interest in this accomplishment since shs went flying.