THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AND HIS WIFE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8062, 1 October 1887, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AND HIS WIFE.

The marked coldness with which the Duke of Edinburgh was treated, not only by the people, bat also by his relatives, daring the recent Jubilee festivities in London, has aroused much comment, and it was noted that not a single member of the royal family considered it worth his while to be present at the railway depot when he left England on his return to Malta. It appears that in addition to his other numerous objectionable and unpleasant habits the Duke has lately taken to heavy drinking, a fact which ha» served to render the relations between the Duchess and her husband even more than usually strained. The Imperial lady ic far from being as ungracious as popular repeat and her somewhat glum appearance would suggest, and is in reality a kind-hearted and singularly sensible woman, with what may be politely termed an extraordinary firmnew of disposition. She is the only one of the Queen's daughters-in-law who, on account of her wealth, exalted rank by birth and character, is ablo to stand'her ground or meet Her Majesty on equal terms. The Queen has a great respect and even liking for her Russian daughter-in-law. When the latter arrived in England after her marriage the sovereign so far exerted herself as to greet hor sou's bride at tho railway station, instead of waiting for her in the Castle —an unheard of attention and one that produced its effect. The only painting which hangs in the Queen's private breakfastroom at Windsor, besides a portrait of the late Prince Consort, is an excellent picture of the Duchess by Angeli. The name of " Marie" is far more frequently on Her Majesty's lips than that of the Princess of Wales, who does not stand high in the Queen's favour, and the old lady is reported to enjoy nothing more than to listen to the racy and slightly acid descriptions of mutual acquaintances as given by her Russian daughter-in-law, even occasionally becoming quite quizzical herself. It must, however, be added that the two ladiea have scarcely seen enough of each other to get on bad terms. —Correspondent New Yoru World.