NEVER TO BE WORN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21602, 24 March 1932, Page 10

NEVER TO BE WORN

LONDONER’S lOLD MEDAL ABYSSINIAN PRINCE'S GIFT. The most treasured possession of Mr Frank Browne, of Putney, London, is a large gold medal, but he can wear it only by going to Abyssinia, 4300 miles away, or wait until Abyssinian royalty goes to England and invites him to a party. The medal was conferred on Mr Browne by Prince Asfa Wosan, descendant of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, and heir to the throne of Abyssinia, on the occasion of his recent visit to Britain, in recognition of Mr Browne’s services as a member of the staff at the_ Dorchester, Park lane, where the black prince held his strange court. “ I was deeply touched by the prince s gift,” said Mr Browne lately. “ I promised my wife I would wear the medal at tbe next staff dinner, and she was thrilled. And then I had a long letter from Buckingham Palace stating that the King had consented to my wearing the medal on restricted occasions. I read the letter through carefully, and when I came to the end of- it. I realised that I shall never be able to wear the medal at all. “ The letter pointed out that I can wear the medal only if I go to Abyssinia and attend a royal function, and in England only if I am invited to a function given by Abyssinian royalty visiting this countr“'B.’ow far away is Abyssinia? ” Air Browne asked the interviewer. He was told—43oo miles—and sighed heavily. Thirty other London men who were honoured by the Crown Prince Asfa Woss.n have received the same news, for official regulations impose restrictions on the wearing of decorations conferred by foreign kings and princes.