ROYAL HEIRESS TO MARRY GERMAN PRINCE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19107, 27 June 1930, Page 10

ROYAL HEIRESS TO MARRY GERMAN PRINCE.

There have been many rumours during the last few years regarding the engagement of Princess Juliana, the only daughter of Queen Wilhelmina, and heiress to the throne of the Netherlands. Most of these have been promptly contradicted by the Dutch Court officials. It is now certain, however, that within a few months the Princess's betrothal to Prince William von Erbach-Schonberg will be officially announced, says the “Chronicle.”

The future Consort is twenty-six years of age, and studies forestry at the University of Hanover. He is expected to take his degree very soon. Prince William’s family is one of the oldest in Germany, and can be traced back to the times of Charlemagne. Although not wealthy, they possess the town of M.ichelstadt, and the pretty Forest of Oden (where, according to legends, Prince Hagen slew Siegfried). As the Princess is the only child of the reigning Queen, the interests of the dynasty of the House of Orange makes an early marriage almost imperative. The Queen, as well as the Dowagei Queen Emma, has for some time been considering a choice. It was left to the Princess herself, however, to take the final decision. The consent of her parents, as well as of the Dutch Cabinet, has been obtained. Princess Juliana attained her twenty-first birthdav a few days ago. She recently gradu ated at Leiden University, and is now living at her own little palace, Kneuterlyk, once the home of the Stuarts in Holland.

Princess Juliana will, later in th» year, make an official visit to the Dutch East Indies, where, up to now, no member of Dutch royalty has ever set foot. It is not yet decided whether this visit shall be a State visit or a honeymoon trip. A superb suite of twelve luxurious cabins is being prepared in the new mail steamer Marnix St Aldelende, which is being refitted at Amsterdam in readiness for September. At the royal stables in The Hague a list of the State carriages which shall be taken has already been drawn up.