WILHELMINA R.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19214, 31 December 1925, Page 5

WILHELMINA R.

Forty-live years ago last month the bells of Utrecht- Cathedral rang out the joyous tidings that to the King and Queen o£ the Netherlands had been born a child—a daughter. From east and west, north and south, came ambassadors to offer to tihe happy parents and to the Dutch nation congratulations on behalf of their respective Governments. Called to the throne at the age of ten, the young Queen quickly won a way to the hearts of the people by her irresistible win som en ess and girlish charm. In Holland the Queen's birthday is not signified by any such gorgeous display as is seen at our own trooping of the \ colours. After having received the greetings of her own immediate family circle, foreign representatives and diplomats presented their compliments. Then' Her Majesty drove from,her palace in the woods to hear choirs of children sing national songs. But what is lacking in pomp and splendour is compensated for by the enthusiasm of the Queen's sub- ' jects, who make a general holiday on thin da v. . . - , There must have been many visitors to Windermere a year or two ago who were totally unaware" of the fact that the gracious lady whom they encountered during their outings was none other than . the Queen of the Netherlands, so simple was the way in which she lived. Her Majesty is very fond of our English lakes, which I she visits incognito as the Countess van I Buren. a l| Holland seems destined to be ruled over I by gracious queens, for there is no heir J to the throne, tbe heiress being tha 1 Queen's only daughter, Princess Jsiliawa, J who has many friends in English socisjtiy. ■