Europe’s Princesses

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20105, 11 May 1935, Page 10

Europe’s Princesses

SPANISH FAVOURITE

It is many years since there have been quite so many young daughters of kings and princes who may one day occupy thrones (writes an English correspondent in “The Leader.”) In England, for example, we have the two delightful daughters of the Duke and Duchess of York, Princes Elizabeth and Princess Margaret Rose. Princess Elizabeth may possibly become Queen of England one day, and even if not, a high destiny certainly awits her. Then in Belgium there is. the Princess Josephine Charlotte, who is the idol-of Belgium, and was not only the great centre of attraction at the celebration of Belgian independence in 1930, but since the accession of her parents has become one of the outstanding delights of her country. In Norway there are two particularly charming princesses—Princess Ragnhild Alexandra, born in June, 1930, and Princess Maud Astrid, born in February, 1932. They are the children of the Crown Prince Olaf, so well known and popular in Sweden and in England, and Princess Marte of Swede. Princess Ragnhild was christened at Oiaf, and her godparents were the King and Queen of Norway, the King of Sweden, tl:e Duke of York and Princess Victoria. Princess Astrid was christened at Oslo.

Italy now has a little Princess in Maria Tia, born early in November. Her parents are the Crown Prince Humbert, and the former Princess Maria Jose of Belgium who made herself so beloved during her stay in England through the war years. The Italians would undoubtedly have liked a young prince, but the tiny Princess Until a very short time ago the Prln? will be taken to their hearts.

cess to whom Europe looked most confidently for a royal marriage was the 25-year-old Infanta Beatrice of Spain. This charming, fair-haired daughter of an English princess has always been one of the brightest of the young royalties of Europe. She was something of a tom-boy as a child, and her pranks not infrequently startled the stiff Spanish Court, but they made her an immense favourite with the people of Spain.

She was brought up on much the same lines as an English girl, and so, naturally enough, developed a nEngit was partly due to this part of her lish girl’s love of freedom. No doubt training that she chose to marry for love. Her husband is Prince Allessandrio Torlionia of Italy.

The Infanta Beatrice has a sister, Marla Christina, who was born in 1911. It is possible—there are rumours floating around to this effect in certain circles—that this Princess may contract an alliance with a membe of either the Bourbon or Hapsbourg families, but, on the other hand, it is more probable that she will follow her sister’s example and marry for love.

Then there is Princess Ingrid ol Sweden, who has just become engaged, and who I think Is the most popular of all the younger royalties. She knows England almost as well as Sweden, and as granddaughter of the Duke of Connaught, is devoted to this country.

One of the most eligible of European princesses is Princess Julia of Holland, a very charming girl, although a trifle highbrow. As the future Queen of Holland naturally enough the Dutch people are very anxious to see her married, and the majority of them would prefer an English bridegroom, I think.