RIGHTS OF KING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22585, 25 November 1936, Page 13

RIGHTS OF KING

FREEDOM AS TO MARRIAGE AUTHORITATIVE OPINION LONDON, Nov. 20 The King can marry whom he chooses and lie can decide whether his wife shall be queen or consort. He may select a bride of Royal blood or ho may select a commoner. The fact that the Duke of York and the Duke of Gloucester married commoners, who have endeared themselves to the whole of Britain, suggests that, if the King decided upon a bride from a respected English family, the nation woukl wholeheartediy approve.

The Constitutional position regarding the King's marriage is not generally realised. An authoritative opinion on the subject discloses that King Edward can marry any woman, except a Roman Catholic, without forfeiting the Crown. It rests entirely with him whether he decides to make her the Queen.

Thus, if King Edward decides to marry a commoner, lie can do so constitutionally without contracting a morganatic marriage. He could esablish her as a Consort without a Crown.

Among foreign royalties there does not seem to be anyone at present who is likely to be the King's consort. However, a commoner marrying any other member of the Royal family automatically acquires her husband's status. The Duchess of York is an instance.

The Sovereign is the only member of the Royal family who is not subject to the Royal Marriage Act which provides in certain cases for the Sovereign's consent to marriages of members of his family. It will be recalled that, at the commencement of his reign, Parliament made financial provision for King Edward in the event of his marriage.

Probably not one person in a thousand realises King Edward's perfect freedom to marry whom he likes. Moreover, it has been almost universally, but erroneously, accepted that his bride would automatically become Queen.