Preparing for a Throne.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVIII, Issue 21, 20 November 1912, Page 36

Preparing for a Throne.

THE EDUCATION OF THE KING’S DAUGHTER. When Princess Mary was younger, it is said that she w(as not -altogether enamoured with the restrictions attaching to her high position. As a child, she could not romp and play with other children, except with her own brothers, and even when older there are, of course many' things open to the ordinary girl from which a princess is naturally debarred. She cannot consult her own wishes so much, nor go about when and where she pleases, as the emancipated maiden in her teens now claims to do. Moreover, she has to spend a great deal more time over her books than most high school girls, and this is only an item in the education of a princess, who. from an early age, is initiated into social duties, and the intricacies of royal etiquette, so that she may know what is expected of her when appearing in public. Infinite care has been expended over the education of the King's only daughter. Queen Mary has never left this entirely in the hands of paid teachers, however proficient, and all her studies have been conducted under Her Majesty’s A middle-class parent is content with the quarterly* report of the schoolmistress, and congratulates herself, or otherwise, on the degree of proficiency recorded. But the upbringing of a princess,

who will .probably’ one day fill a European throne, is too vital a matter for so much as a month or two to be wasted. There is so much to be learned, and the duties which attach to even the younger members of the Royal Family’ naturally’ break into school hours. A lady’ artist, who was painting the Princess’ picture some years ago, said, that before she could obtain the requisite number of sittings, she had to travel over 2,000 miles in following Her Royal Highness from one place to another, and this will give some idea of the demands made upon the time of the young PrinPrincess Mary began her schooling at the age of four, and was taught, together with her brothers, in the royal schoolroom. She had her own governesses and masters, but the instruction was carried out under Mr. Hansell, who was appointed tutor to all the King's children. Lessons began at G. 30 in the morning in the summer, and at seven in the winter, and the children worked for an hour till breakfast time. Afterwards there was a further two hours’ instruction till noon, and another two hours in the afternoon. About three years ago, the question was discussed whether Princess Mary’ should go to a boarding-school, but it was decided that it would be best to continue her studies at home, not in the schoolroom, but under special tutors and governesses, to give a finish to her education. Like her brothers, Princess Mary has been brought up to speak French, and German almost from infancy, and at eight years old, she was a fair linguist, and can now express herself fluently in both languages. Then she has had to acquire a good working knowledge of Latin, Greek, and Italian, and to make a special study of English history, especially on its constitutional side. In pursuit of these historial studies, she often used to accompany’ her teachers to the British Museum, to inspect the original documents, which impress the great facts of the nations story, far more vividly on the mind than any’ text-books. Princess Mary takes her musical studies, more seriously than most girls, and she is an accomplished pianist and can sing well. One would hardly expect to find that she is also an expert typist. This was, moreover, an idea of Her own, as she was very anxious to assist the Queen in her correspondence, and it is said that

some of the King's private letters, which do not pass through the hands ot the official secretaries, are dictated to his daughter. Queen Mary has always been noted for her fondness for home life, and she h »lds the opinion that every woman, no matter how high her station, should know enough to control her own household. . , The young Princess lias been brought up in this way, and has been taught both cooking and needlework. When asked what kind of cookery she liked best, she naively replied, "1 like to make something that 1 can eat myself, afterwards.” She often makes cakes for the Windsor picnic parties, so that she is far from a novice in this important art. She is also an expert little needlewoman, and many articles made by her, may be seen on sale at charitable bazaars patronised by the Royal Family. In addition, to this, Princess Mary is quite an all-round sportswoman. She follows the hounds, and, some time ago, received the brush at the West Norfolk meet. She can handle a gun, but perhaps her favourite sport, is angling, which she learned under her father’s tuition.

All these things may be fairly included in the education of a princesss, for royal personages, as the leaders of society, must be able to take part in the amusements in which society indulges. A princess cannot afford to be a recluse, so that, what with others is solely a pleasure, forms an important item in her curriculum. The careful training which all the royal children have received, is designed to fit them for their great part in after vears.