ONE OF THE “KINGS GREYHOUNDS.”

Northland Age, Volume 3, Issue 39, 14 May 1907, Page 6

ONE OF THE “KINGS GREYHOUNDS.”

King Edward has a corps of special messengers that swiftly and silently journey at his bidding, and start at a moment's notice to far parts of the earth. These messengers are called “the King’s greyhounds,” and wear as symbol of office a little golden greyhound at full speed. For thirty-five years Captain Wynter has been a messenger in the service of his Sovereign—been Queen’s messenger and King’s messenger. The long service is pleasantly described in a book, “On the Queen’s Errands” —a book that the ‘‘greyhound” is diplomat enough to have revealed no secrets of State. Two absolute requirements are made of the special messenger—that he convey his message, that he reveal no confidences.

The “greyhound” has as badge of his peculiar service not only golden fleet greyhounds, but also a paper stamped by the ''Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and countersigned by the Sovereign. The paper commands’ British subjects to further the messenger on his way—warns against putting obstacles in his progress. The messenger may bear a Royal gift ; he may bear a letter of immense international importance. A King's messenger must be a gentleman of rank. As a rule he is treated as a member of the Corps Diplomatique, received by British statesmen abroad as a person of considerable distinction. However, the story is told that Lord Salisbury once treated with the King's “greyhound” through his butler, did not give the messenger personal audience, or the consideration almost univtrsally bestowed.