British Empire Bereaved—King George Passes

Northern Advocate, 21 January 1936, Page 5

British Empire Bereaved —King George Passes

HIS MAJESTY WAS PEACEFUL TO THE END .

Last Act Of State Gave Sovereign Power To Queen and Sons i WHOLE NATION MOURNS A BELOVED MONARCH AN Official Bulletin stated: “Death came peacefully to the King at 12.11 a.m„ in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, the Princess Royal, and the Duke and Duchess of Kent.’’ The three doctors’ signatures were appended. The bulletin, with the solemn words, “The King’s life is moving peacefully to its close,’’ came almost as a death knell to the nation. After the restful sleep His Majesty had enjoyed last night, reassuring news had been hoped for all day. Then towards evening was made the grave announcement that his condition showed diminishing strength, which, coming but a few hours after the King, with his own hand, had signed a document giving Sovereign power to the Queen and his four sons, indicated that while attending to formal, but an essential affair of otate the King’s strength was slowly ebbing. _ > The people, reflecting in this fact, must have realised the King himself, with his love of count! y and his subjects, would wish his passing energies to he employed to no better purpose. His untiring devotion to 'State duties, even whefi i'll, was never more clearly demonstrated than when he performed What would probably be his-last official act. The evening bulletin* showing the shadow of approaching death, revived nation-wide anxiety, which apparently had been somewhat alleviated. , Sandringham House was hu shed into silence when the fatal bulletin was issued,. The Queen, her sons and the Princess Royal dined later than usual as they were expecting a report from the doctors, who had assembled in the room near to the bed chamber to await the end, which, it was realised, was not far distant. THE SORROWING MOTHER. 1 . The Princess Royal comforted her sorrowing mother, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, the King’s old friend, murmured words of consolation.- Everyone was anxious that the Queen, who has borne the strain of the past few days with unwavering fortitude, should rest as much as possible, so that the strain would not be too much on her health. It was then believed that no further bulletins would be issued until the doctors announced the end. ’ C, At Sandringham, where many residents kept constant watch on the gates, the news spread like wildfire. Groups of villagers immediately hastened through the darkness, amid a high wind, to await further news. Arrivals on horseback, cycles and cars from distances scanned the small, typewritten characters, conveying the sad intimation, and turned away, whispering in. sympathy for the King. * • Crowds clustered on the roadway, refusing to go home until they knew the worst.. Thousands went to Buckingham Palace, despite incessant showers and icy rains, to ascertain the latest news, departing with grief-stricken faces. It had been announced that the next bulletin could be expected at 10.30, but at 9.30 came the surprising, but not unexpected, news which revealed that all hopes must disappear. The doctors, in the interval between the bulletins, found that His Majesty had lost so much ground that they were forced to realise there was no longer any chance of recovery. Further examination revealed that life was slowly passing. The sad news was immediately conveyed to the Queen and members of the Royal Family, to the Duke of Connaught, who is wintering on the Riviera and lias been in continual telephonic touch with Sandringham, and with the King’s sister. Queen Maude of Norway, as well as to Mr Baldwin in London.