PRINCE HENRY AS MAN

Taranaki Daily News, 13 October 1934, Page 17 (Supplement)

PRINCE HENRY AS MAN

PLEASING PERSONALITY HIS DIGNITY AND EMILES. “IN AND OUT OF HARNESS.” What manner of man is the Duke of Gloucester in real life? The question is probably being asked. His photographs do not belie him. New Zealand, as well as Australia, ■ it may be predicted, will be immediately impressed with his well set-up figure, his soldierly bearing and his good looks. The Prince’s first day in Australia must have been a trying ordeal for him,/ says the Sydney Morning Herald. The cynosure of all eyes, in entirely new surroundings, amid a vast sea of strange faces throughout the day and the night, and with batteries of cameras concentrated upon him,' he might well have been pardoned if he had been somewhat unnerved. He played his trying part, however, with admirable poise and dignity. In stature, the king’s third son overshadows both the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York, his smart soldierly appearance, especially in the frock uniform of a major of the 10th Hussars, revealing unmistakably his training in the military profession, to which he so enthusiastically devotes himself. VARYING GLIMPSES. About the Prince on the day of landing, amid the stiff formalities of ceremonial, there was something of typical English reserve and a tense seriousness, that could easily be understood in the circumstances. In informal asides, however, he appeared more at home. His natural self was best revealed perhaps when he stepped out of the official circle at the Fremantle wharf and had a hearty smile over something or other when chatting with the Lieutenant-Gov-ernor, Sir James Mitchell. It.was one of the rare occasions on the wharf when he relaxed. With clear blue eyes, a fresh complexion and a neatly trimmed military moustache, the Duke has unmistakably good looks. Judging from the day’s impressions, he will quickly appeal to all, alike for his bearing and his quiet charm of personality. He possesses a clear, resonant voice, and his enunciation permits every word to be clearly followed. As a speaker, he was heard at his best at the ceremony in King’s Park, when his voice rang out clearly, and was heard by all in the vast assemblage. THE DUKE’S READY SMILE. Those who have been in close contact with the Prince on the Sussex say that he takes a much deeper and closer interest in the general affairs of life that count than is ordinarily credited to a man who has subordinated practically everything, to a military profession. All will like the Duke of Gloucester, not merely because of his station in life, but because of his manliness, his smartness of carriage and his personal appeal. -irOn ceremonial occasions again on Friday, as on the day of his landing, the Duke preserved a dignity of bearing and a seriousness in keeping with his high office. This is an attribute which has left a most favourable impression, for the Duke might easily court something of cheap popularity by smiling his way through everything. Tall, carrying himself with military erectness and revealing an unmistakable likeness to the King, the Dukes ready smile when the occasion evokes it robs his demeanour of any suggestion of stiffness. He was probably seen at his best in the informal setting of the Show Ground, for the visit to which he had cast aside his smart-looking uniform and had worn a plain brown lounge suit and brown felt hat. And, with his uniform, he threw aside the formality essential to ceremonials. With his hands in his pockets, he laughed at the antics of a clown standing in. front of one of the side-shows. INTEREST IN HORSES. The Prince watched with obvious zest a trotting race and displayed more than formal interest in the livestock, especially the horses. He appeared to enjoy meeting people on a common footing and learning something of the land. It is in such surroudings that one sees the human side of the Duke, Those who had come into the city to see the Duke or to greet him with cheers or with waving flags, have been impressed with one common thought. That. is that he appreciates the responsibilities 01 his station in life, but that when “out of harness” and in informal surroundings there is about him a democratic charm which will make a ready appeal throughout his tour. ,