KING MANUEL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14132, 6 August 1909, Page 5

KING MANUEL.

A VISIT TO ENGLAND. By Telegraph—Press Association.— Copyright.

London, August 4. King Manuel of Portugal has accepted King Edward's invitation to pay an early visit to England. PORTUGAL'S YOUNG RULER. King Manuel, who is 19 years of age, is described as a bright, good-looking youth, his graceful manners and brilliance of repartee making him a great acquisition to the rather dull Court life. He is intelligent and studious, much devoted to those he considers his loyal friends and hie innate amiability of character endears him to all. These qualities have been improved by a methodical and strict education. As Infante, up to the day on which he inherited the throne of Portugal, he daily began his studies at six a.m., continuing them until seven p.m., and only interrupting them for meals and a short walk or ride. He is principally interested in literature and history. At the age of 13 he wrote a diary of his voyage with the Queen to the Mediterranean full of picturesque details, showing a quick and observant mind. Latterly he was collecting notes and documents to enable him to Write a history of the palace of Villa Vicosa and the House of.Braganza. ■ He is also enthusiastic on all matters concerning art. Like his. grandfather, Louis the First of Portugal, he adores music, and is himself an excellent musician, playing the piano with remarkable execution and feeling. From his great-grandfather King Ferdinand 11., called the Artist-King, he inherits his love for works of art, especially sculpture and painting. In epite of this he does not despise scientific pursuits. Latterly he was working with great enthusiasm in order to enter, as a simple midshipman, the naval college, and, when at Villa Vicosa, he begged his mother to allow him to return sooner to Lisbon that he might continue his mathematics, not to be behindhand with his future schoolfellows and comrades. These studious tendencies were always greatly encouraged by his mother, the Queen, whose words to him when a little boy he has never forgotten: "My son, it does not suffice to be an Infante of Portugal ; that, in itself, is worth nothing. Work and study, that you may acquire a personal value, and thus win the respect of nil and be useful to your country." The young King is skilled in all sports, but has no special liking for any. Although of a nervous temperament, he has great presence of mind and courage when occasion demands them. During the terrible events which placed him on the throne, some 18 months ago, he also showed astonishing serenity and courage, throughout endeavouring to give support to his mother, whom he adores. The horror, however, of the tragedy and the consciousness of the deep responsibilities that have fallen on him so unexpectedly appear to have utterly transformed his boyish nature. Those who are in contact with him say that the King has aged 10 years in appearance and in mind since that day, and that he gives the impression that it is no longer a boy who is speaking, but a man. .