PRINCESS MARY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18019, 18 February 1922, Page 1 (Supplement)

PRINCESS MARY.

A MODEL BRITISH MAIDEN. BY A.A.A. Maty is without doubt the Princess of tho People. Her betrothal has provoked very pleasant feelings throughout tho whole nation. Everywhere there is a great out-flowing of heartfelt wishes and earnest desires to express in some tangible form tho Empire's sentiments on this occasion. Probably a more than usual interest has been kindled because in these days of depression multitudes felt like one of old carried away by the news into tho seventh heaven of romance, there to listen again for a brief season to tho sweet language that universally expresses itself in love. Both matrons and maids havo been lingering again over tho " glory box" and finding either tender memories or transfiguring hopes attending their thoughts. At any rate, now that "the fashion" has been set in highest places, many timid ones will take to their hearts courago and come to "the point" with an expedition mutually pleasing. She is the good man's Paradise, And tho bad man's first 6teD to Heaven. The Wonder of the World.

But this all brings us to a very striking thought. It must be an eighth wonder of the world in the eyes of Home and foreign critics of the nation that the Royal family has been able to attach to itself such Empire-wide affection. To all loyal minds this great and cheerful fact speaks in two ways. It proclaims the possession of both excellont and exceptional personal qualifies and ability on tho part of those beloved, and proves also that the popular judgment which sets tho seal of its approval and appreciation on such characters shows a steady and sensible advance on that of the past. Because the sound heart of the nation sees itself increasingly reflected in the lives and labours of tho Royal Household, there is a growing idealism about the Throne of Britain which is to-day its surest defence. The wonderful devotion of the British democracies to Uie present Royal Family is something unique among the nations of the world to-day, and unprecedented in all history. If there is one reason stronger than another for this, it is probably to bo found in the fact tl.at an essentially home-loving people recognise these happy elements of human life, so constantly exemplified in the character and conduct of the Royal House. Beyond all personal, attachment to the King and Queen—tho loyalty of tho British people to-day is the loyalty to a home ideal. The thorough appreciation of this moved the King recently to announce in relation to tho betrothal of Princess Mary, "that everything had been conducted as in a private family." Each subject immediately felt the nearness of the sweethearts —and the Sovereign. Here, indeed, is genius with great gain—the ability of greatness to become as one of tho peoplo for the people. This is the secret that has kept the British erect in an era of tottering thrones and added to its standing a new splendour of sympathy and national service. Princess and the People. In the humblest home a betrothal is a matter of great importance and liberal interest; but when the betrothal is born in the Palace, and when one of the contracting parties is so deeply and widely loved as Princess Mary, thc interest must bo electric in intensity. The humblest shop-girl and all between her and tho most beauteous Peeress of the Realm seem to meet here upon the elemental ground where all merely adjectival distinctions cease to exist. Each and all are bond slaves of the heart, and feel nothing but keen satisfaction at the turn of Roval events. And this goodwill so generally expressed has its reason in tho fact that tho Princess stands for all that is most desirable in British maidenhood. It mav be said without fulsome flatterv that "she might well serve as a model" for manv to profit by in theso days of voung feminine " fcarhilness. While "exceedingly modest the Princess has excelled in tact, an affectionate nattfre always suggesting just the right thing to do. An instance of this was seen at the Savov Theatre recently when sho presented prizes won at a competition among wounded soldiers. One of the blinded men was the winner of the first prize, and being led to the stage he was directed to the Princess. Probably under the oxcitement of the moment he mistook his position and groped about for a while. But immediately the Princess saw his difficulty Bho went to his side placed her hand in his, spoke some kindly words to him, und closed his fingers over the prize so that there could be no mistake. It is such touches of grace that bespeak a heart and mind worthy of public affection and augur well for her future happiness. A Royal Education. In matters relating to housekeeping tho Princess is quite at home. She is far more informed than many thousands who Bet up housekeeping, of the claims that will be made, and how to meet them. In this, also, may bo seen the wise hand of her Royal mother fitting her for life s domestic difficulties and duties. The Princess is also a most excellent linauist. Hor ability tin this direction is exceptional. It is said that from her early girlhood she has been quite an expert conversationalist in both French and German. „ _ , ~ , These are not all Princess Mary g acquirements, however. It is said that among Princesses, " hor Royal Highness was tho first to open an account at tho Post Office Bank, the first to become in any way efficient as a lyputo, and the first to acquire any working, knowlecgo of shorthand." All of which goes to prove that perseverance has played its part in her development, and that by self-discipline and determination she has learned to excel. So tho lady whom the nation delights to honour is not by any means a "tenderfoot." During tho war she joined tho great army of workers and_ became a fully qualified nurse, performing all tho duties and enduring the dangers that gave ample proof of her resources a? a true woman. Sho is leader of the British Girl Guides alio, and took her full share in lessons and in command on the model warship in Virginia waters. Princess Mary is also the first lady of Royal rank to learn motor-driving, in which sho is as competent as in riding in Rotten Row. The Old Sweet 3ong. The element that most appeals to the nation, however, is that a betrothal of the Princess is the outcomo of a true love match. She has made her own choice. Her marriage is a break-away from tho old system of " arrangement, ' and marks the beginning of a new order in Royal matrimonial affairs. Her happiness is not to bo sacrificed to sonie foreign prince of Royal blood. This is why the Empire i s so pleasurably excited over the event. While not very prominently before the nation liithorto Viscount Lascelles will stand forever conspicuous in history as the first of his rank to be honoured with the hand of the King's daughter. He is the pioneer of new pathways in Royal affairs. Upon closer inquiry it is proved moreover that he is also in his own right " a man o' pairts," and worthy of the people's congratulations and esteem.. When the war broke out the viscount might have selected an easy and safe place on the staff, but instead he accompanied his men into the trenches. Where they went, he went, and in consequence was twice wounded, once gassed, and won the distinction of the D.S.O. To be known as the richest, and one of the bravest of the soldiers of the King, is no mean qualification for becoming the son-in-law of our beloved Sovereign.