DUKE OF KENT FOR AUSTRALIA

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21178, 27 October 1938, Page 7

DUKE OF KENT FOR AUSTRALIA

Appointed GovernorGeneral Surprise and Pleasure Expressed Attitude of Dominion Outlined United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, October 25. It is officially announced that the Duke of Kent has been appointed Gov-ernor-General of Australia in succession to Lord Gowrle. He will be taking over his duties in November, 1939, and will be accompanied by the Duchess of Kent and their children, Prince Edward and Princess Alexandra. An earlier message stated that there was a probability of Royal GovernorGeneralships being again discussed. Australia would have the first consideration and the Duke of Kent is the only Prince who has not visited the Commonwealth. The Associated Press understands that the enthusiasm with which the Duke of Kent received the suggestion for his appointment delighted all who were associated with the discussions. It is believed that His Royal Highness is not likely to remain five years in Australia. It is more likely that his term will be two or three years, because the Duke of Gloucester is the only remaining member of the Royal Family to deputise at functions for the King. It is understood that an approach from New Zealand for a visit of a member of the Royal Family for the Centenary celebrations in 1940 is foreseen by official circles. There are now suggestions of the possibility that the Duke of Kent will be Invited to visit New Zealand from Australia during his first year of office. His Royal Highness, Prince George, Duke of Kent, the fourth son of King George V, was born on December 20, 1902. At the age of 14 he entered the Royal Navy and became a midshipman in January, 1921. Five years later he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant while serving on the China Station. He served on H.M.s. Nelson and H.M.S. Durban until July 1928, when he retired from the Royal Navy for health reasons and was subsequently appointed to the Western Department of the Foreign office. In 1921 he accompanied the Duke of Windsor, then Prince of Wales, on a visit to South America. In September, 1934, the Duke of Kent was betrothed to Princess Marina, daughter of Prince Nicholas of Greece, and In the following month he received the title he now holds. His marriage on November 29, 1934, was the occasion of great national rejoicing, the ceremony taking place in Westminster Abbey and being broadcast to the Empire. The Duke and Duchess of Kent have two children. The elder, Prince Edward, was born on October 9, 1935, and a daughter, Princess Alexandra, was born on Christmas Day, 1936.