THE FUTURE OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8643, 2 December 1889, Page 3

THE FUTURE OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH.

The relations between the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh are being commented on freely, and the Duke's studied neglect of the Duke and Duchess of Fife while he was at Balmoral have no doubt led the public to believe, says the World, that there has been a disagreement on the question of the Fife marriage. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh disliked the connection on the ground that they objected to the daughter of the Heir-Apparent marrying a subject, and no doubt the refusal of the Duchess of Fife to listen to the addresses of the Grand Duke Michael intensified this feeling. The greatest secrecy is observed on the que-tion among those about the Court ; but there is no doubt that the above are the facts. Apart from the Princess' refusal to marry the Grand Duke Michael, it seems a little ridiculous to make a fuss over the Fife connection and to tolerate the Battenburg alliance. It seems to be pretty well admitted (adds the World) that for the future the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will live only a small part of their time in England. The recent rules made by the Czar as to the necessity of those members of the Imperial Family of Russia who enjoy incomes from the Crown living a certain time of the year in Russia, will oblige the Duchess to live in that country more than she has hitherto done. The losb of the Sultan has annoyed and worried the Duke of Edinburgh, and the criticisms of the Press have angered him greatly ; and the Fife marriage has been the last straw to his load of grievances. The Duke of Edinburgh has never been very popular in England, and his departure will be taken with equanimity. He and the Duchess will come over from time to time to see the Queen, and they will still retain Clarence House, but they will not take another place in the country.