THE KING'S DOUBLE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXII, Issue 9632, 22 March 1910, Page 7

THE KING'S DOUBLE.

Mr Percy Mamlen, a well-known stockbroker, has announced his intention of retiring from the firm of P. jVlarsdeu and Co.. though not from the Stock Exchange. He lias the reputation of being the King's "double." ■On the Stock Exchange he is frequently greeted as "Your Majesty," and sometimes the members, when in particularly gay mood, gather rouud him and sing the National Anthem. His likeness to his Majesty is remarkable, and he remarked to an interviewer, "Once, on Brighton racecourse, the svhole crowd cheered enthusiastically. They thought his Majesty was paying them au unexpected visit. On another occasion I went in my motor-car to itffciing Forest, aud on the return journey I found the roads lined with people, and the police keeping the way clear. I discovered afterwards that some official, seeing me pass, had telephoned along the route that thejiing was motoring iv the district. I know that the subject of the likeness has been discussed in Royal circles, and I have reason to believe that King Edward has been highly .amused at tha stories he has heard about me. I was at a certain theatre one night when the King and Queen were present. The Queen, who had been looking through her glasses, directed his Majesty's attention to me, and they had a laughing conversation. Ido not know that my likeness to the King has been of any great advantage to me in my business, but I was glad that it once did something towards saving me £3000. A man came to offer a certain interest to me for £4000. I discussed the matter with him, and brought his terms down to £1000. He afterwards told my partner that the impression of the King's likeness was so strong upon him that lie could not argue with me as he could otherwise have done."