FOUR BRITISH PRINCES

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19451, 15 December 1934, Page 14 (Supplement)

FOUR BRITISH PRINCES

If a generalisation were permitted, it might be said that of the four sons of the King and Queen the eldest and youngest, on ‘the one hand, and the second and third, on the other, are of similar tastes and temperament. It would be a very broad generalisation, to which Important -qualifications would have to he added. The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Kent share something of the bonhomie of their grandfather, King Edward VII. They are good mixers, with considerable social adaptability, though the Duke of Kent yet lacks the case of manner Which extensive travel has conferred on his eldest brother. They are also by nature unconventional in comparison with tlie conservative instincts of the Duke of York and the Duke of Gloucester. Although all four brothers arc good dancers, the eldest and youngest were apter to learn, and have always been fonder of the ballroom than the olliers..

These differing traits express themselves in el-othes. The Duke of Gloucester is reputedly the most “ correct" in dress of all the Princes, owing probably to Iris having grown used to" the precision of uniform, in which he looks remarkably well. He is not so partial to. the informality of tweeds as the Prince of Wales, who on various occasions has appeared in pullovers of dazzling hue, and once went out to golf in a most astonishing hat. The eldest and youngest brothers are both air-minded. The Prince of Wales is very fond of air travel, and has down solo on several occasions, though he ordinarily takes a pilot with him. The Duke of Kent is a member of the Brooklands Aero Club, and is qualified to take a pilot’s certificate. When lie went to Yugoslavia for the holiday during which he became engaged lie travelled by aeroplane. Both brothers arc fond of music. The Duke of Kent is an accomplished pianist, and the Prince of Wales laughingly asserts •IKal. bis musical tastes are proved by his desire to learn to play I lie bagpipes. Moro Studious and Reserved. The Duke oir York and the Duke or Gloucester ore more studious hud reserved. and have many tastes in common. particularly their absorplion in welfare work among young men and lads. The Duke of Glmieosler lias not yet had an opportunity of going into camp with a lerrilorial regiment or with any of Hie lads’ Hubs with which he is associated, as his regimental

An Interesting Comparison. Share in Public Work.

duties claim him for manoeuvres at the time when the camps arc in full swing. The Duke of York has gone into camp with the lads, and has enjoyed himself so thoroughly that his brother has become quite envious, and is seeking an opportunity to follow suit. All the brothers have a taste for mechanics. This is most pronounced in the Duke of'Yoi-k and the Duke of Gloucester. The Duke -of Gloucester and the Prince of Wales have the army as a common interest, and both are passionately fond of horses.

The Duke of Gloucester find the Duke of Kent suffered in youth from a slight delicacy of constitution. The elder brother threw this off at school, and it has not in any way Interfered with his military career. The Duke of Kent was less fortunate, and 'had to leave the Navy through ill-health. Ho was then attached to the Foreign Office to gain experience in administration, and thus became Hie first Civil servant in the Royal Family. Illhealth again interfered with his plans, and in 1929 'he was given indefinite leave of absence from the Foreign Office, and lived in retirement till his health improved sufficiently to permit him to take an active part In the work of the Royal Family. The Duke of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent are enthusiastic motorists, and both are exceptionally skilled drivers. 'Golf, the passion of the Prince of Wales, does not make a great appeal to tlie Duke of Gloucester, although he plays a round now and then with tiio Prince, tho Duke of York, or one ■of his brother officers. The Royal 'Family arc not. keen card players. The Duke of ffioucester says ho is keeping llioin for liis old age. Share In Public Work. The. four brolh<vs share, according to llicic time and opportunity, in Ihe social and public work of the Royal Family. Their manifold activities recall a slorv of Ihe Prince of Wales and a labourer of socialistic imdeneios. The. man was standing in a lane as Hie Prince rode by to a mcol. "There goes one of Ihe idle rich," he said sulkily. " nii'h. maybe, ’’ he said. “ but bang if all. not idle." Any member or Ibe Royal Family miglil well have made the same reply, for iilluess is a hi wiry not permitted to n British Prince,