MANY INTERESTS

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19462, 29 December 1934, Page 7

MANY INTERESTS

A PERSONAL SKETCH LOVE OF THE OUTDOORS PRINCE HENRY’S HOBBIES TTIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE HENRY William Frederick Albent, Duke of Gloucester, Earl of Ulster, and Baron GuModen, K-G., P.C., iK.T., K.P., G.C.V. 0., the third son and fourth child of' the King and Queen, is 34 years erf age, having been born at York Cottage, Sandringham, on March 31, 1900. He was educted at St. Peter’s Court. (’Broadsitairs), Eton, and Cambridge' University. He passed the entrance examination for Sandhurst Royal Military College in April, 1918, and in August, 1919, was gazetted isecpnd lieutenant in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps. His love of horsemanship led to his transfer in 1921 to the Hussars, first to the 13th, and after a short period to the 10th, in which he is now a brevet major. He is personal aide-de-camp to the (King. ■

Prince Henry was created a Kinght of the Garter when he beoame of age in 1921 and a Knight Grand Gross of ■the Royal Victorian Order In 1922. In March, 1925; he became a member of the Privy Council and was one of four Counsellors of State 'during the King’s absence abroad after illness In' 1925. On March 31, 1928, Prince Henry was created Baron Culloden, Earl of Ulster, • and Duke of Gloucester- In June, 1933, he was appointed a Knight of the Thistle, and in July, 1934, a Knight . of the Order of St. Patrick; The Duke is a barrister and bencher of Gray's Inn. In 1920 Cambridge University conferred an 'honorary de-*.-gree on him. He is a freeman of Lon- . don, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, among other cities. A Fine Horseman. " Prince 'Henry was the first of the Royal Princes to win a point-to-point race; The occasion was when he carried off the 'lnfantry Cup in the First Cavalry Brigade Steeplechase against ■twelve competitors. His success was followed speedily by the" Prince of Wales, who won an event of this bind ■only a few days afterwards, but the Duke of Gloucester is regarded as by far the better rider of the two. \

Polo lie plays extremely well. Hunting and steeplechasing liave no greater devotee, and his sideboards are plentifully decorated with regimental cups and trophies which he has won at Army point-to-point meetings In recent years.

The Duke probably attends more race meetings than any of his brothers, and is a good judge o ( f form. One of his most cherished ambitions is to see a Royal horse win the Derby. Like most sportsmen, the Duke, is devoted to dogs. He possesses some very fine retrievers, in which breed he is keenly interested, and is usually accompanied on his journeys by one or two of these dogs. , He owns Scotch terriers, greyhounds, a hull mastiff, and a Labrador. The Duke is particularly keen on covert 'shooting. A few years ago he accompanted' his father on a shoot at Sandringham, where the birds rise high above the tops of the trees before the guns can reach them, and therefore, present a difficult target. The King discharged both barrels unsuccessfully, but the Duke'brought down a bird at the first •shot. The King laughingly doffed lids bat, delighted at bis son’s skill.

Long-distance Running, Running and walking matches hold a 'great measure of interest for the Duke, and it was at his own wish that In 1921 he started the Marathon Race from the grounds of Windsor Castle. He had particulars of the progress of Ihe race telephoned to him until its conclusion, At Eton Prince Henry was one of the best iiong-dlslau.ee runners of his time, and he indulged in running during the afternoons in Inter life, in order lo give himself sufficient exercise. When lie was in Africa be followed the example of the-Prince of

Wales',' 'when taking long trips by train, of turning out In shorts and sprinting along the track whilst the train followed slowly behind. The grounds of Buckingham Palace have provided the Duke with an excellent training-ground, where running and tennis-can be indulged in in -privacy right In the heart of London.

Boxing is another sport which interests the Duke. It is saltl that lie is no mean exponent of the fistic art, and he is credited with being the boxing chainpion of the Royal Family. To sec boys and youths boxing always gives I lie Duke pleasure, and be has presented scores of cups to boys’ clubs and organisalions all over England to encourage ringcraft.

Keenness at Games. Prince Henry played his first round of golf at the age of 12. He plays an avoragely good game, hut is not the golf enthusiast that the Prince of Wale's has become, nor is he as attached to the game .as is the Duke of York. He likes to watch a good professional match.

Prince Henry learned lo play billiards at Cambridge, and though lie occasionally has a game, he is not a really keen player.

For exercise whilst at home, the Duke plays tennis a good deal and lakes part In his regimental races, wearing his own colours of pale blue and scarlet, lie used- to play Rugby

regularly, but now contents himself with being a spectator. He became a member of the Automobile Club when he was 20, On most ■private occasions lie drives him sell, very frequently In the sporlns model lie favours- He handles a fast, car well. His Royal Highness is keenly interested In avialion, though being a soldier, it is natural -Ilial, lie -should regard it mainly from Hie military stanfcipahvl. When his other duties have permitted, lie lias made it a rule lo be presenL at the Royal Air Force pageants. He lias down a good deal. The Duke is an excellent swimmer, and is uot unfamiliar wfllr yachting, because lie is a frequent visitor to Cowes.