Barbara Hutton Lives In Hopes But What Next?

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 16, Issue 16, 6 November 1950, Page 2

Barbara Hutton Lives In Hopes But What Next?

(Special Contributor) When you know the true story of Barbara Hutton, the £8,000,000 Woolworth heiress, you could almost believe in Grimm’s fairy tales. There must have been an evil fairy who put a curse on her when she was born. Each time she things she has found a Prince Charming to break the spell and help her to live happily ever after it has turned out to be only a question of a few years before a divorce smashes her hopes once again. I first met Barbara Hutton when she was Princess Mdivani, and what a pretty girl she was. As delicate-looking as a little Dresden figurette, with ash-blonde hair, a marvellously white skin, magnificent blue eyes, and dark eyebrows, which she very wisely left unplucked. She loved rubies and collected jade and porcelain. Her clothes and her perfume came from Chanel, but she smoked the cheapest brand of Virginian cigarette. In those days her engagement ring was the biggest black pearl in existence, and she was frightfully happy with her prince. Rather Delicate Even then she was rather delicate, and had to spend a certain amount of time in bed. My husband and I used to send her red roses because we knew they were her favourite flowers, and she always took the trouble to write a charming little note of thanks. It was towards the end of the first marriage when she wrote a “Thank you” letter for the exquisite roses. It was very sweet of you to send them to me, and they are my favourite flowers of all. I am pretty miserable just now, but hope to see you when this is all over.” Then came the marriage with Count Kurt Reventlow, and everything seemed to be set fair. They rented a big house in Hyde Park gardens, where they entertained lavishly. Barbara’s manners were enchanting. She never failed to pay particular attention to any guest whom she thought was shy or feeling a little out of place.