Was Kissed by Duke at Somme

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 104, 4 May 1937, Page 7

Was Kissed by Duke at Somme

Husband to Perform Marriage Ceremony VILLAGERS’ FAREWELL TO EX-KING. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyrigh t. Received Monday, 9.30 p.m. LONDON, May 2. The Daily Mail’s Tours correspondent says the story or the Duke of Windsor kissing a pretty French girl on the boinmu battlefield lies behind plans for his marriage. The Mayor of Monts, the nearest town to the Chateau de Cande, is Doctor Charles Mercier, whose wife recalls that when King George visited the Somuie front in war-time the British iieadquarters were situated in the village in which sho resided. Her lather frequently entertained officers and she was chosen to present a bouquet to King George who thanked her and asked the Prince of Wales also to express his thanks. The Prince shook her hand and kissed her on the cheek. Now Dr. Mercier as Chief Magistrate will marry the Duke of Windsor and Mrs. Bimpson. Dr. Mercier confirms the statement that the date is not fixed, but ho has been asked to visit the Chateau shortly to discuss arrangements with Mrs. Simpson and the Duke of Windsor. Madame Mercier says: “I am sure the Duke has not forgotten the Somme incident. I should love to attond "the wedding. ’ ’ Mrs. Bimpsou has been golfing and looks sunburnt. The Duke of Windsor is expected to be met at a secret rendezvous near Paris with a car from the Chateau in which Mrs. Simpson may travel to greet him. A St. Wolfgang message says the villagers crowded fifty illuminated boats and picturesquely farcwclled the Duke of Windsor. Singers, dancers and a brass band assembled on a platform supported’ by two barges and proceeded to the villa after dusk leading the procession of watercraft. The Duke of Windsor stood on the balcony for two hours listening to folk songs and watching the clogged performers demonstrate their national dances. At the conclusion he received tho burgomaster who expressed the village’s sense of honour over the Duke’s visit. The simple pageant was unmarred even by the Nazis who seized the opportunity to set on fire a giant wooden swastika on the hillside.