"SMILING THROUGH"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23861, 11 January 1941, Page 4 (Supplement)

"SMILING THROUGH"

Royal Family in Spotli

ONE of the best biographies of the King which has appeared in recent years is that just, published, "The King in Peace and AVar," by Keith V, Gordon (Bodley Mead). It is up to date in every respect and incidentally, while paying tribute to the work of the King and Queen, does not overlook the services of other members of the 1 {oval Family. "Without any intended disrespect to the dignify of the Crown, the Monarchy can be likened to a theatrical production that has enjoyed a, 'run' of nearly twenty centuries." writes Mr. Cordon. "The 'actors' are the members of the Hoyal Family, and the scenery is the power and glory of the British Finpire. The 'audience' is made up of the other nations of the world. The 'producers' are the British people, since it. is their loyalty to the Crown and the taxpavers' money which foots the bill for the upkeep of the dignity and majesty of the British King. I heir Majesties the King and Queen are, oi course, the 'stars' of the show, and at such enjoy the spotlight of public opinion and the rest of the world. As in a theatrical production, there are occasions when, through indisposition nr some other cause, it is impossible lor- tile King and (,)ueen to plav their part at some public performance, and the task then tails on the shoulders of the 'Royal I uderstudies,' who are always in readiness to take the 'stage' when the occasion arise*. These 'understudies' are the other members of tin Royal Family; in the present reicn 1 hey are the Duke nj tdoueester and the Duke of Kent, am! their Duchesses. . .

"The "King's Understudies' have no Parliamentary Rights, and take absolutely no part in the political life of the nation. It is against constitutional tradition for members of the Royal Family to visit Parliament, except on such special occasions as the Opening of Parliament, but never when debates or ordinary Parliamentary business are are in progress. The late Prince Consort. was openly attacked on one occasion from the floor of the House by I a Member who espied His Royal Highness sitting in the Distinguished Strangers' Oallery. "The Prince immediately left the llou.se. and on hearing of the incident i Queen Victoria was furious and sent | For the Prime Minister to demand an | apology. Quietly, but firmly, Mr. Glad- ] stone pointed out that the offending ! Member was within his Parliamentary Rights, and that the Prince Consort had laid himself open to the indignity of being challenged from the floor of | I lie Mouse. . .

"The principal duties of all the Royal Ladies during peacetime are either social or charitable. Hv public appearances they assist trade, inspire the. nation, give colour to the Monarchy and infuse the charm of their personalities into the life-blood of the nation, They must, always dress in the height ill' fashion, and set new styles. "For instance, Her .Majesty the Qu<*en always keep, her newest hats for public appearances, because she knows what pleasure this gives to all the women who will see her. probably set a new style which will sweep the country and give a tremendous fillip to the millinery trade. ''This max - sue in inconsequential, but as a matter of fact it is nothing of t he sort. By a frock or a hat. the Queen, or one or other of the Royal Ladies, can swing hundreds of thousands of pounds in trade in some direction, and this is good for the economic life of the countrv."