THE FUTURE OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6711, 26 November 1889, Page 4

THE FUTURE OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH.

The relatione 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 wa3 at Balmoral have no doubt led the public to believe, says the World, that there has been a disagreement on the question of the Fifemarriage. 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 ref usal 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 question 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 Buchess 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 thoae members-of the Imperial Family of Eussia, who enjoy incomes from the Crown living a certain timoof the year in Russia, will oblige the Duchess to live in that country more than she has hitherto done. The loss of the Sultan has annoyed and worried the Duke of Edinburgh, aud the criticisms of the Press have angerod 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 atill retain Clarence House, but they will not take another place in the country.