QUEEN MARY'S LONDON LIFE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19382, 17 July 1926, Page 6 (Supplement)

QUEEN MARY'S LONDON LIFE

Although Queen Mary is, punctilious to a degree in the discharge of the public duties which are part of her high position, she is, above all things, domesticated. Forced though she is to devote a great deal of time to attending various functions, such as the laying of foundation stones, the opening of bazaars, giving and attending official dinners, and so forth, she never allows a day to pass without supervising the Royal housekeeping, and watching th# interests of her dependents. And she rarely omits to do a little sewing—even when at her busiest. During the summer season and, indeed, whenever the court is in London, Queen Mary's mornings are partly taken up by household affairs. Indirectly she keeps an eye on the servants, often giving her personal attention to matters which were formerly delegated to officials, of whom, by the way, there are infinitely fewer than was the case in Queen Victoria's and King Edward's reigns. Her household, in fact, is one of the smallest in Europe, for on becoming queen she immediately set about ridding herself of a number of highly-paid persons who, for the most part,-were infinitely more ornamental than useful. The number of officials and staff is now kept within reasonable limits; and Her Majesty sees to it that the service is in 110 way inferior to that which was maintained by her predecessors. Possessing si- thorough knowledge of cooking, Queen Mary takes an interest in the kitchen —and woe betide the domestic j with a tendency to scamping work and to wastfulness! When Princess of Wales she would sometimes*do a little cooking herself, preparing the cakes for afternoon tea, and mixing the luncheon salad. Having been brought up in a vety practical manner by her mother, the Duchess pf Teck, there is no detail of housekeeping with which she is not acquainted. The Queen's London life formerly included superintending the children's education, the Prince of Wales' progress at Oxford having had her constant attention. When the younger princes are staying at .Buckingham Palace they have their mother's care first, thing 111 the morning, for, while breakfasting with her, she assists them in making their plans for the day. Then comes letter-writing—often a heavy task —after which the Queen is free to take a little breathing-time. If she can snatch an hour before lunch she motors round the shops, noting the prices, asked for the goods which she has purchased and checking the bills by t'liem. Having initialled the accounts, her Majesty'hands them to her private secretary for payment. Incidentally, it may be mentioned* that Queen Mary declines to pay fancy prices to the tradesmen whom she honours with her custom. " Value for money " is her motto here, and she lives up to it. If the Queen ha.s a hobby it is needlework. Hating to remain idle for a single instant, she will take up the garment upon which she has been engaged and will sew steadily until it is time to turn to something else. Even when the Queen goes to stay at a country house the work-basket is included in the Royal luggage, and after meals her fingers are busy, as she chats with the other guests. As to recreations, Her Majesty takes scarcely any- interest in outdoor games or sport. The theatre, on the other hand, has a deep interest for her; and she witnesses every new play, providing it is worth seeing. The opera also has her attention, many evenings being spent there during the summer season; but the Eoyal patronage seldom is extended to concerts. Queen Mary has attended two or three music-hall performances in aid of charity; but, as the arrangements upon certain of these occasions left something to be desired, it is unlikely that the experiment will be repeated. At one performance the Queen found it necessary practically to turn her back upon the stage, owing to the nature of the entertainment provided for the Royal delectation. At another the unpleasant atmosphere caused by the smokers' cigars and cigarettes caused much annoyance, and she was forced to request the management to take action in the matter.

A drive in the park in the afternoon is one of Queen Mary's never-failing pleasures; and when London learns the whereabouts of the Buckingham Palace carriage expectant crowds are always on the lookout for it', and they invariably greet Her Majesty with cheers.