DUKE OF WINDSOR

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 4 May 1937, Page 5

DUKE OF WINDSOR

PLANS FOR MARRIAGE MAYOR OF MONTS TO PERFORM CEREMONY STORY OF SOMME BATTLEFIELD RECALLED [United Press ..ssociation—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright] LONDON, 2nd May. The “Daily Mail’s” Tours correspondent says the story of the Duke of Windsor kissing a pretty French girl on the Somme battlefield lies behind the plans for his marriage. The Mayor of Monts, the nearest town to the Chateau de Cande is Dr Charles Mercier, whose wife recalls that when King George visited the Somme front in war time the British headquarters were situated in the village in which she resided. Her father 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 Simpson.

Dr Mercier confirms the statement The date has not been fixed, but he

has been asked to visit the chateau shortly to discuss arrangement 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 attend the wedding.”

Mrs Simpson 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. FAREWELLED AT ST. WOLFGANG A message from St. Wolfgang says that villagers crowded 50 illuminated boats and picturesquely farewelled 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 clogged performers demonstrate national dances. At the conclusion he received the burgomaster, who expressed the village’s sense of honour over the Duke’s visit. The simple pageant was unmarred even by Nazis, who seized the opportunity to set on fire a giant wooden swastika on a hillside. SUDDEN DEPARTURE FOR FRANCE AUSTRIAN GOVERNMENT THANKED UNTIRING KINDNESS AND HOSPITALITY (Received 4th May, 10.25 a.m.) ST. WOLFGANG, 3rd May. The Duke of Windsor’s sudden decision to leave for France this afternoon was made after telephone conversation with Mrs Simpson. The Duke of Windsor, keeping his promise to make a statement to pressmen before leaving, ordered his equerry to summon them. The journalists, hastening in the doorway, stumbled ovei: luggage and golf clubs piled ready for departure. The equerry stated that the Duke of Windsor had telegraphed Herr Miklas, the President, thanking the Austrian Government, police, postal officials, and people of all classes for their untiring kindness and hospitality. The Duke of Windsor, in excellent spirits, came out to oblige press photographers, with whom he jested in German, asking where they all came from. LOOKING FIT AND WELL (Received 4th May, 10.25 a.m.) SALZBURG, 3rd May. The Duke of Windsor, looking fit and happy, accompanied by his Cairn terrier, departed on the Paris express, which it is understood he will leave at Troyes, continuing the journey to the Chateau de Cande by car. DECREE MADE ABSOLUTE A FORMAL PROCEDURE A CROWDED COURT LONDON, 3rd May. Fifty seconds, and less than 100 words spoken by Sir Boyd Merriman, the President, and the Clerk of the Court, sufficed to make absolute 86 decrees nisi, including Mrs Simpson’s, which was numbered 56. Although it was merely a formal procedure, hundreds queued at the Divorce Court entrance, and the President’s Court was crowded when Sir Boyd Merriman took his seat on the bench beneath the rope and anchor, which is the symbolic sign of the Probate, Divorce, and Admiralty division. Immediately the clerk rose, and reading from the official list said: “Applications to make absolute decrees nisi in causes numbers one to seventyeight'from the principal registries.” Sir Boyd Merriman asked: “Does anyone appear to show cause why the deci'ees should not be made absolute?”

There was five seconds pause in which there was silence, after which Sir Boyd Merriman said: “I then pronounce the decree nisi as made absolute.” A similar procedure followed the remaining decrees from the district registries and the crowd evaporated. DUKE AND MRS SIMPSON INFORMED LONDON, 3rd May. Within a few moments of the decision the Duke of Windsor and Mrs Simpson were telephonically informed, and it is now reported that, the Duke of Windsor is leaving St. Wolfgang this afternoon, a day before expected, and is entraining at Salzburg for France. The Duke of Kent is expected to represent the Royal Family at the wedding. NO CELEBRATION PLANNED (Received 4th May, 10.25 a.m.) TOURS, 3rd May. Mr Herman Rogers, on behalf of Mrs Simpson, says there is no statement to make. Mrs Simpson has not planned a celebration of her decree absolute.