THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AND HIS WIFE.

Colonist, Volume XXX, Issue 5025, 7 October 1887, Page 4

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AND HIS WIFE.

(By a Correspondent of ' New York World.') The marked icoldnesß with which the Duke of Edidtmrgh was treated, not only by the ijMgpJ©, but also by hia relatives, dyiing the recent Jubilee festivities iaittoudon, hm aroused much comment, and it wag noted that not a single member of the royal family considered it worth his while to be present at the railway doj»ok

when he left England on his return to Malta. It appears that in addition tt bis other numerous objectionable add unpleasant habits the Duke has lately taken to heavy drinking, a fact which has served to render the relations between the Duchess and her husband even more than usually strained. The Imperial laiy is far from being as ungracious as popular report, and her somewhat glum appearance would suggest, and is in reality a kind-hearted and singularly sensible woman, with what may be politely termed an extraordinary firmness of disposition. She is the only one of the Queen's daughters : in-law who, on account of her wealth, exalted rank by bitth and character, is able to stand nor ground or meet Her Majesty on equal terms. The Queen has a great respect and even liking for her Russian daughter-in-law. When the latter arrived in England after her marriage the sovereign so far exerted herself as to greet her son's bride at the railway station, instead of waiting for her in the Castle—an unheard of attention and one that produced its effect. The only painting which bangs in the Queen's private breakfast room at Windsor, besides a portrait of the late Prince Consort, is an excellent picture of the Duchess by Angeli. The name of" Marie "is far more frequently on Her Majesty's lips than that of the Princess of Wales, who does not stand high in the Queen's favour, and the old lady is reported to enjoy nothing more than to listen to the racy and slightly acid descriptions of mutual acquaintances as given by her Bussian daughter-in-law, even occasionally becoming quite quizzical herself. It rrust, however, be added that the two ladies have scarcely seen enough of each ither to get on bad terms.