A BUSY MAN.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 November 1922, Page 9

A BUSY MAN.

THE PRINCE’S UNDERSTUDY. One of the busiest men in England is Sir Godfrey Thomas, the Prince of Wales’ private secretary. His duties are as numerous as they are varied. If the Prince had promised to attend a. dinner where he was to meet someone whom he had not met before —possibly an M.P., a magnate in the commercial world, or a distinguished foreign visitor—it would be the secretary’s duty to inform the Prince of the man’s achievements, so that the Royal guest, in conversation, might not appear ignorant of any notable thing the man had done. For example, not long ago the Prince met at the house of a friend a French scientist who had once, at considerable risk to himself, rescued a child from drowning. The Prince’s private secretary ascertained this fact, and the Prince was able to please and gratify the scientist by referring to it.

Then, again, it is Sir Godfrey Thomas who supplies the Prince with material for many of his public speeches. A very important part of the private secretary’s work is the receiving and interviewing of various people on behalf of the Prince of Wales. In the performance of this duty he has often, to exercise considerable tact and discretion.

For example, the patronage of the Prince of Wales is sought in connection with charitable activities of many kinds. But before he gives his patronage to any ■charitable organisation, he must be perfectly certain that its conduct and management ere absolutely straightforward. People seeking the Prince’s patronage for such objects are usually seen by his private secretary, who sometimes may have to inform them that the Prince cannot accede to their request. This he must do tactfully, and without giving offence. Another important duty that frequently falls to his lot is that of representing the Prince of Wales at variI ous public and private functions which 1 His Royal Highness is unable to attend in person. The performance of such a duty is not always an agreeable one, for people who have been expecting the personal attendance of the Prince are apt to be disappointed when he is compelled to send a deputy. His representative ’ as to make them forget the disappoint ni '‘nt as well as he can. and no one can do this more successfully than the tactful and pleasantmannered private secretary.